Russian Fashion Designer Ulyana Sergeenko Slammed For Using The N-Word

Russian fashion designer Ulyana Sergeenko is getting blasted online after a photo of her casual use of the N-word began circulating online.

While in Paris, France for Haute Couture Week, lifestyle blogger Miroslava Duma posted a screenshot of a note she received from Sergeenko, which reads, "To my n*ggas in Paris." Considering that neither Sergeenko nor Duma are black, many found the casual use of the N-word unacceptable, and both Duma and Sergeenko were dealt a considerable amount of backlash online, The Cut reports.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell also commented on the situation, reposting a screenshot and writing, "This better not be real!"

Sergeenko later took to social media to say she'd received "insulting messages" because of the note, and explained her use of the N-word, writing, "Kanye West is one of my favorite musicians and NP is one of my most favorite songs."

"And yes, we call each other the N word sometimes when we want to believe that we are just as cool as these guys who sing it," she continued in an Instagram post that has since been deleted. "I am deeply sorry to everyone whom I might have offended."

You can check out her full "apology" below.

Duma later posted an apology of her own, writing, "The phrase referenced is from a Kanye West and Jay-Z song by the same title. The word is utterly offensive, and I regret promoting it and am very sorry. I deeply respect people of all backgrounds and detest racism or discrimination of any kind."

Duma has since been removed from the board of The Tot, a children's company that she and Nasiba Adilova founded in 2015.

Wrote Adilova on Instagram, "I stand by @thetot's decision, and hope this inspires people to consider how their actions and words affect others."

This isn't Duma's first time being called out for racism, either; in 2014, her website Buro 24/7 published a photo of an editor sitting in a chair made to resemble a bound, nearly nude black woman.

[Photo: Getty Images]