Rihanna's brand accused of 'employing child labour': Report

The complaint alleges that Rihanna's brand 'Fenty Beauty' uses mica from mines in Jharkhand where "child labourers work in dire conditions"

An NGO filed a complaint with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) against American pop star Rihanna's skincare and wellness brand 'Fenty Beauty' on February 4, 2021, according to a report by India Today.

International celebrities including Rihanna and environment campaigner Greta Thunberg recently announced their support for the farmers triggering a sharply polarised international debate.

NGO Legal Rights Observatory (LRO) in its complaint alleged that Rihanna's brand 'Fenty Beauty' uses mica from mines in Jharkhand where "child labourers work in dire conditions", the report stated.

Vinay Joshi of the Legal Rights Observatory demanded an investigation and claimed that the pop star's brand does not have the certification to prove that the mica used in products is "child-labour free".

Also read: OPINION | Farmers' protest: An insecure, paranoid govt

"Action taken against India's interests will be reciprocated with equal measures," Joshi was quoted a saying by the publication.

Rihanna, the fourth most followed celebrity on Twitter with over 100 million followers, took to the microblogging site to share a news article headlined, "India cuts internet around New Delhi as protesting farmers clash with police."

"Why aren't we talking about this? #FarmersProtest," she wrote.

Also read: Don't know Rihanna, Greta but welcome their support: Rakesh Tikait

Post her tweet, Swedish teen climate activist Greta Thunberg, Meena Harris, an American lawyer and niece of US Vice President Kamala Harris, actors Amanda Cerni, singers Jay Sean, Dr Zeus and former adult star Mia Khalifa voiced their support to the protesting farmers.

India has reacted sharply to these tweets with several Bollywood and cricket stars and top ministers rallying around the government in its pushback. The "temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments” is neither accurate nor responsible, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Rihanna's wealth has accumulated over the past decade as she branded out into various business endeavours including the cosmetic brand 'Fenty Beauty' which generated an estimated $570 million in revenue in its first 15 months.

(With PTI inputs)