British model Lily Cole has apologised after she posted selfies wearing a burqa on Instagram as the crisis in Afghanistan continues to worsen. It comes as she announced her queer sexuality in her new book.
So who is she? And what exactly happened with the Afghani burqa?
Who is Lily Cole?
Lily Cole is a model, actress and entrepreneur from Devon. Born on 27th December 1987, Cole turns 34-years-old this year.
Her modelling career began when she was a teenager and in 2004, she was named British Model of the Year.
Cole has featured in a number of well-known TV shows and films, including Doctor Who, St Trinnians, and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.
Cole also has a double first-class degree from Cambridge University and in recent years, she's become known for her charity work and environmental campaigning.
Lily Cole Afghani burqa controversy
In August 2021, Cole's new book Who Cares, Wins, which discusses how to tackle the climate crisis, was released. On 17th August, the model was slammed for posting a photo of herself wearing a burqa to promote the new book as the situation in Afghanistan continues to worsen.
She captioned the Instagram story (which has now been deleted):
"It's out. Let's embrace diversity on every level - biodiversity; cultural diversity; diversity of thinking; diversity of voices; diversity of ideas."
Cole has since apologised for what she's deemed an "ill-timed" post and for causing any offence and "sincerely apologised for any offence caused".
Anjum Peerbacos, co-founder of the Hijabi Half-Hour podcast, told the BBC that the pictures were "disrespectful".
Advert
"It's not a fashion accessory to be able to be deployed as a publicity stunt," she said.
"Regardless of how people around the world have chosen to wear that garment, that garment is a respectful religious symbol and is worn and used as such.
"So for her to use it as what can only be described as a publicity stunt, I think is abhorrent and really displays to us her level of ignorance with regards to it."
Who are her parents?
Lily Cole's parents are Chris Cole, a fisherman and boat builder and Patience Owen, a writer and artist.
Who is Lily Cole's husband?
Lily Cole has been married to businessman Kwame Ferreira since 2012. They have a daughter together, Wylde, who was born in September 2015. The family are reportedly living in Portugal.
Ferreira is originally from Angola and moved to Brazil before settling down in Portugal.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Celebrity