Block Me Blade: Diversity Scoring 5 Coachella Influencer Events
Extra points, of course, go to whichever brand remembered that black female creators exist.
How we’re scoring: Remember, diversity is not just about the guest list or who’s in the crowd, but in the images, creative, and content brands use to share their event with the masses! Scores will run 0-10!
#1 Blade Desert Lounge
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I didn’t know this even existed until a kind follower commented yesterday that they were blocked by Blade (the helicopter company thing where you can cosplay as an 🥂elite🥂) on TikTok for pointing out that the only black women in their Coachella videos were the caterers. So, here I am, to menace this into awareness.
We’re looking at the videos they posted of their Blade Desert Lounge which chartered a handful of well-known influencers and their +1s on a ... like … 27 minute flight from L.A. to the desert.
I’m too old to know all their names, but I do recognize Rickey, Noah, and Alix Earle. The latter is blocked by culturework. Anyway, the commenter is right. No black female creators to be seen. None of the 1M+ girls, or the 100K+ girls, or even the 50K+ girls. I’m squinting! But shoutout to Alix, who only popped off because half the app mistook her for being part of #bamarush last September?
Diversity Score: 1/10
Shame score: -0000000/10
#2 The NYLON House
TW: SA
It’s very hard to report objectively on a media company (and it’s willing sponsors) who platform a known serial predator who allegedly preys on teenage black girls.
So I won’t.
All together now… fuck Diplo! Him! and his tape-ins!
Diplo has been the subject of multiple accusations and lawsuits filed by black women, all reported in depth from 2020-2022, and all with zero impact to his brand dollars and performance opportunities.
Azealia Banks says she was 17 when she slept with then 30-year old Diplo, who approached her via MySpace.