MUA YouTuber Jackie Aina's forthcoming Anastasia Beverly Hills palette has sparked a race-related debate online thanks to the name of one of her eyeshadows.
Aina, who's long been a vocal proponent of inclusive makeup, announced the collaboration yesterday. However, it didn't take long for (white) critics to latch onto a shade dubbed "Wiggalese," which they believed was a nod to the term "wigger."
"The word Wiggalese who is just racist AF when u remove the 'lese' from it but yea since its Jackie shell get a pass," one person wrote. Another added that it's a "shame ABH included a word with a slur in it."
Jackie Aina trending....sad part is shes a racist biggot who I'm shocked ABH is supporting...also read deep in her palette, name that stand out is the word Wiggalese who is just racist AF when u remove the 'lese' from it but yea since its Jackie shell get a pass....
— ~LuKa~♡ (@MaMeLuKa_) August 4, 2019
However, as others pointed out, the name is likely just a reference to wigs and the criticism is problematic in and of itself.
"literally saying wiggalese is a slur when all it means is wig language makes no sense," a fan of Aina responded. "Its [sic] a word that is made up anyways!! they wanna be oppressed so bad. they want a black women to lose money so bad." Some commenters were more blunt, writing things like, "Wiggalese refers to wigs, like the hair. You idiot."
literally saying wiggalese is a slur, when all it means is wig language makes no sense- & its a word that is made up anyways!! they wanna be oppressed so bad. they want a black women to lose money so bad.
— Cannon 😘 (@cannonbitchh) August 6, 2019
WHERE?!?!? Explain....where????? She is talking about her WIGS!!!!! Explain. Make it make sense
— Golden*Heart (@GoldenOnyxHeart) August 5, 2019
I assumed its called wiggalese because I believe she is of senegalese descent and she is a wig enthusiast🤷♀️
— Olivia Nicole (@BeautyDollLivin) August 5, 2019
Wigger isn’t racist and you can’t be racist to white people in a system that benefits white people. You can be prejudice towards white people, which I think honestly isn’t that big of a deal because the only thing that does to you is hurt your feelings.
— TS ViViFierce (@TheOnlyQueenVi) August 5, 2019
racists hate Jackie Aina so much they’re jumping through hoops talking about she used a “slur” in one of the names of the shadows (Wiggalese) for her palette. lmao if y’all don’t get
— tune (@viatunisia) August 5, 2019
Unfortunately, it even got to the point where Anastasia Beverly Hills' Norvina Claudia had to respond, writing, "Absolutely not. I would never allow that."
"It's about wigs," she continued, before adding, "Also why would Jackie name one of her own shades .... nvm."
Omg no are they really. Absolutely not. I would never allow that. It’s about wigs. Also why would Jackie name one of her own shades .... nvm
— norvina (@norvina1) August 5, 2019
Aina has yet to respond.
Photo via Getty