A Columbia University official is now suspended when he responded to a tweet about model Nyakim Gatwech.
The tweet suggested that the Sudanese model was the ‘most beautiful among black beauties” and for that, she was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records.. Which is not true.
Professor Lieberman took the opportunity to retweet the incorrect tweet and in the same breath say ” Whether a work of art or freak of nature she’s a beautiful sight to behold.”
Twitter immediately jumped to Nyakim’s defense telling the professor that while she is beautiful she is certainly human and not a freak of nature.
Nyakim took to her Instagram to address the rumor that she is in the Guinness Book of World Records for her skin tone.
Read below:
It’s time I address a rumor ONCE and for all.
I have no idea where it originated, but my manager first brought it to my attention in 2020 and although we’ve denied it to multiple fact-checkers, clearly it’s still floating around even after @guinnessworldrecords stated that it does NOT monitor skin tones.
I can’t imagine it’s even possible to know who’s the lightest or darkest person on the planet!
Unfortunately, I believe this has been impacting my @instagram account negatively.
I have worked really hard to build my page and use it as a platform to promote self-acceptance, body positivity, and of course, my brand partnerships, but it’s about self-love above anything else.
I don’t buy followers, and to those who believe otherwise, I do not need to manufacture lies for likes.
It’s not my style. I love my dark skin and my nickname “Queen of Dark,” but I’ve never said I’m the darkest person on earth.
View this post on Instagram
Nyakim spoke to Ayana Harry of PIX News about how she felt about being called “A freak of nature”.
View this post on Instagram
According to Pix 11 News Lieberman has since been suspended for his comments. In an email to his Columbia University colleagues, he apologized and called the comment racist and sexist.
However, Lieberman hasn’t reached out to Gatwech.
She said the suspension is “not enough” to address his behavior.
We have shared a story about Nyakim before! She was once asked by a Uber driver if she would bleach her skin for $10,000. Read that post here.
Comment your thoughts below.