Kenyan model and social media influencer Elsa Majimbo recently spoke out about her experience (in a now-deleted TikTok video) with renowned supermodel Naomi Campbell, shedding light on what she describes as a distressing ordeal. Majimbo, who had long admired Campbell and considered her a role model, found herself in a tumultuous situation after attempting to connect with the supermodel.
According to her, in 2020, Majimbo reached out to Campbell when she learned that the supermodel was visiting Nairobi. Excited at the prospect of meeting her idol, Majimbo sent a message expressing her interest in meeting, to which Campbell agreed. Their meeting in Nairobi led to an invitation from Campbell for Majimbo to join her on vacation, an opportunity that Majimbo eagerly accepted.
https://twitter.com/TheHTAfrica/status/1759323423304470839
During their time together, Campbell suggested that Majimbo create a documentary about her life in Kenya and her journey into Hollywood. However, tensions arose when Majimbo independently produced a documentary about her experiences with discrimination and navigating life as a woman of color, without informing Campbell.
Campbell, feeling left out and slighted by Majimbo’s decision, confronted her about the documentary. Despite Majimbo’s attempts to explain that it was a separate project from what Campbell had suggested, the supermodel became increasingly hostile, leading to a breakdown in communication between them.
For Majimbo, the fallout from her conflict with Campbell had profound effects on her mental well-being and her standing in the industry.
Feeling ostracized and unsupported, she struggled with feelings of isolation and turned to drinking as a coping mechanism. This revelation led to several reactions with some claiming Naomi Campbell led her to drink. However, she clarified via her X account.
https://twitter.com/ElsaAngel19/status/1759316514988011741
Months after the ghosting by Naomi Campbell, a conversation with Ghanaian fashion icon Edward Enninful made Majimbo realize the potential impact of her conflict with Campbell on her career.
This made her bravely spoke out about her experience, acknowledging the difficulties of confronting a fellow Black woman in the industry.
Mixed reactions have emerged since the model deleted the video, with some suggesting she was bullied or silenced by Naomi Campbell; while others say she shouldn’t have made the video calling out Naomi Campbell in the first place.
I stand by my words. Content in my decision. The tweets are deleted due to seeking peace, not fear. Yall need to understand this is something that has happened since I was 19. My goal now is happiness
— Elsa Majimbo 🇿🇦 (@ElsaAngel19) February 19, 2024
