In a quote the media will forever hold against her, Sharon Stone said, "I'm not happy about the way the Chinese are treating the Tibetans because I don't think anyone should be unkind to anyone else.
"And then all this earthquake and all this stuff happened, and I thought, is that karma -- when you're not nice that the bad things happen to you?"
I was in shock when I heard Sharon Stone call China's May 12 earthquake an act of Karma, but when I actually saw her say it in the video, I was blown away. So was Christian Dior who ended up dropping the 50-year-old spokeswoman from their fashion campaigns.
During an interview at the Cannes Film Festival she attributed the natural disaster as pay back for the way issues in Tibet are being handled.
She's trying to make up for her commentary by volunteering with relief efforts.
"My erroneous words and deeds angered and saddened the Chinese people, and I sincerely apologise for this," she said in a statement issued by Dior China and sent to AFP on Thursday.
"I'm willing to participate in any earthquake relief activity and to do my utmost to help Chinese people affected by the disaster," she added.
Dior doesn't want Stone to promote their products, like the anti-aging skin-care line, in China anymore.
"In light of the negative reaction that Sharon Stone's inappropriate remarks have triggered, Dior China has decided to immediately cancel and stop any advertisements, marketing campaigns and commercial activities associated with Sharon Stone," Dior said.
The French brand is doing their best to ensure they don't lose the loyalty of their Chinese clientele.
"We don't agree with her hasty, unreflecting remarks and we deeply regret them," Dior said in a Chinese statement.
"Dior was one of the first international brands to enter China and has won the affection and respect of the consuming public. We absolutely do not support any remark that hurts the Chinese people's feelings.
"We express our sorrow over the compatriots who lost their lives in the earthquake in Wenchuan, Sichuan, and we extend our sympathy and condolences to the people in the disaster area."
When I saw her on the video, all I could think was, "What kind of drugs is she on?" Check out the video to see what I mean.
Calling Earthquakes Acts of Karma
Sharon Stone Calls China Disaster Payback
Trend Themes
1. Social Media Backlash - The negative reaction to Sharon Stone's remarks highlights the power of social media in amplifying public opinion and holding celebrities accountable for their statements.
2. Brand Reputation Management - Dior's quick decision to drop Sharon Stone from their campaigns showcases the importance of managing brand reputation in the face of controversy.
3. Celebrity Activism - Stone's apology and volunteering efforts represent a growing trend of celebrities using their platform for activism and social causes.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion & Luxury - The incident raises the need for fashion brands to carefully consider their celebrity endorsements and react swiftly to protect their brand image.
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3. Celebrity Management & PR - The incident highlights the role of celebrity management and PR in handling controversial statements and protecting the reputation of the celebrities and the brands they represent.