Marnie Simpson has apologised to fans for wearing a ‘racist jacket’ on Geordie Shore.
The reality star has insisted that she wasn’t aware that the jacket, which was designed by Kanye West, had the Confederate flag on the sleeve, and said that she never intended to offend anyone.
The battle flag is widely associated with racism and hatred, as it was used during the American Civil War when seven southern states rebelled over anti-slavery legislation. It was also used as a symbol for the Ku Klux Klan in the 1960s.
“I bought the jacket from Kanye West’s collection unaware that it held the Confederate flag,” Marnie told the Metro.
In trouble: Marnie was slammed by fans for wearing the jacket on last week’s episode of Geordie Shore | MTV
“When I was alerted to the fact that it held the flag I understood that it may offend people and I would never knowingly wear anything that could cause offence. I apologise profusely to anyone that was offended, that was never my intention.
“The episode of Geordie Shore where I was filmed wearing the jacket was recorded earlier this year, and I no longer wear it,” she added.
Kanye West previously defended his decision to use the flag on his merchandise.
“React how you want. Any energy you got is good energy. You know the Confederate flag represented slavery in a way – that’s my abstract take on what I know about it.
“So I made the song ‘New Slaves’. So I took the Confederate flag and made it my flag. It’s my flag now. Now what are you going to do?” he said.
