Black women influencers are continuing to take up space in the beauty space. That is especially the case when it comes to airing their grievances about their unfair treatment on behalf of certain brands. Content creator Avonna Sunshine went viral after posting a TikTok video claiming Patrick Ta’s namesake makeup brand has still not paid her.
What Is the Patrick Ta Controversy?
Avonna Sunshine shocked many users when she posted a TikTok video destroying Patrick Ta Beauty products. Over the crack of Ta’s blushes and contour palettes, Sunshine expressed she never received payment for the promotional work done for the brand.
“I’m sick of seeing companies profit off of the Black dollar, and they’re not paying Black creators,” Sunshine said in the video which now has over 7 million views.
Further context reveals Sunshine’s plethora of beauty videos promoting the Patrick Ta Beauty brand.
“I wasn’t the mad Black woman when I emailed, or when I dm’ed you. So what do you suppose I do?” she said.
Reactions to the Patrick Ta Controversy
Viewers shared surprise in response to Sunshine’s claims. In fact, many flocked to social media to showcase their support for the Black woman influencer. Some people commented “Got it will be saving my coin.” Other comments read “Thank you for making a statement and speaking up!” People feel disheartened to see a Black woman creator allegedly treated unfairly, especially on behalf of a brand so popular. Others, many not of color, deflected from Sunshine’s plea and berated her for wasting quality makeup products. Comments read, “You could’ve gifted those,” and “The world kept spinning.”
Patrick Ta’s Response
Following Sunshine’s video blowing up seemingly overnight, founder Patrick Ta responded with his own video.
“I’m so sorry that I didn’t see your message a month ago. I want to get you compensated as soon as possible today, if you are willing to answer me,” Ta stated.
The makeup artist and founder further explained that although he owns the makeup brand, he doesn’t handle the everyday finances in terms of paying creators. Many users noted that Ta posted two versions of an apology to Sunshine, deleting the first video. These viewers pointed out that his response seemed rehearsed and insincere.
“It’s always sorry after the damage has been done,” one user commented.
Another questioned why Ta was placing the onus on Sunshine in order for payment to be received.
“Why does she need to answer him to be compensated? I’m sure his team has what they need to send her money. It’s giving playing in our faces,” the user pointed out.
Avonne Sunshine’s Conclusion
Sunshine took to her TikTok one last time to stand her ground.
“Glam today is simple. Loreal, they pay us. I set it down with Rare Beauty, they pay us,” she can be heard stating in the video.
She went on to mention other brands that compensate influencers without drama including Fenty Beauty by Rihanna and Pat McGrath, both Black-owned brands. Although pay disparity isn’t a new concept, it’s unfortunate to see that it still exists, especially in the influencer space.
“Black influencers earn 34.04% less than white influencers,” SevenSix Agency’s 2024 influencing pricing report states.
It’s time for brands to stop taking advantage of Black creators ideas and pay them what they are due.