WHO Magazine has printed an apology to Melbourne Fashion Week (MFW) ambassador Adut Akech after it positioned an interview with the South Sudanese-Australian supermodel next to an image of Flavia Lazarus, a woman who is very much not Akech.
The Age reports WHO Magazine, which dropped the apology on the third page of its latest print edition, said the photo of African-Australian Lazarus was “provided to us accidentally” by MFW’s PR firm OPR.
The apology states the publication is “mortified by the misprint”.
Earlier, magazine staff personally apologised to both women after Akech used an Instagram post to say the mistake “would’ve not happened to a white model.”
“This has deeply affected me and we need to start an important conversation,” Akech said, adding the error was especially egregious considering her interview addressed the treatment of refugees in Australia.
The issue has garnered international attention, given the fact Akech is the face of Vogue’s lauded September issue in the UK, Japan, Germany, and Italy, and currently fronts Vogue Australia’s digital edition.
The stuff-up also spurred a statement from Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp, who said “Adut is right, we need to do better.
“Respect for all people from all backgrounds is fundamental to our city and our culture.”
MFW kicked off yesterday, and hopefully won’t be marred by any more magazine missteps.
