Kikiva founder Kia Buckley ‘unreservedly apologises’ for how she reacted to a racial slur heard on livestream
Perth activewear brand Kikiva has issued another statement after its founder came under fire for a racial slur that was said during a social media live stream.
The founder of Perth activewear brand Kikiva has “unreservedly” apologised for not immediately calling out a racial slur during a social media livestream earlier this month.
Kia Buckley came under fire after the 24-year-old’s sister was caught saying the “N word” during a TikTok livestream on October 9.
Footage of the moment has since been shared across the platform, which shows Buckley in the aftermath ignoring the comment and telling her fans: “No, she didn’t say that; she said what’s up, sissys.”
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Buckley apologised last Thursday but after receiving continuing backlash online, the brand has realised that more action needed to be taken to earn the community’s trust back.
On Wednesday morning, Kikiva issued another statement saying that Buckley “unreservedly apologises for walking past a standard we should never accept”.
“By not calling out racism in that moment, we hurt our community, our customers and everyone who has supported us.
“We have let you down.
“An apology isn’t enough, so here is what we are doing now.
“Everyone in our business, including Kia, will complete cultural and historical learning.
“Kia will meet with Elders and community knowledge holders to listen, understand the harm we have caused, and learn how to do better.
“We are committed to doing much more and to doing better, and we will share what we learn along the way.
“We know our customers and this community place their trust in us, and we will work to earn it back.”
Buckley also took to her personal TikTok account, where she addressed her followers on camera and choked back tears as she admitted that how she reacted to the slur was wrong.
“I wanted to come on here and take full accountability and responsibility for a racial slur that was said on my live,” she began.
“At the end of the day this was said on my platform and in my household so I need to take full responsibility.
“I know I have handled this terribly, and I know my statement was wrong. I want to address the reaction of my live because I know that this was not okay, and if I could go back in time and immediately call out the racial slur, I would.
“I also want to apologise for trying to cover up the racial slur by saying ‘What’s up sissys’. I want to be completely honest: I was utterly shocked and in disbelief, and that is the truth.
“I’m so ashamed and embarrassed that I condoned, in that moment, casual racism, and I’m really sorry. I also want to address my silence. If I’m going to be completely honest with you, I did not know how to navigate such an extreme, horrific incident. I didn’t want to continue hurting people.
“I know how damaging this language is and I know it affects so many people, I’m sorry.
Buckley ended her video by adding she was “regretful” and will “never let this happen again”.
It comes as the incident has reached TikTok audiences in America with media personality Abbie Chatfield issuing her take on the situation on her It’s A Lot podcast.
One of Kikiva’s models, Vimbayi Hakutangwi, who is of Zimbabwean heritage, has cut ties with the brand after working with Buckley for more than three years.
