Hair care company Paul Mitchell made a major mistake over the weekend when they posted what was meant to be a celebratory image on their Instagram page. The company shared an image of singer Diana Ross but misidentified her as Janet Jackson.
“Keeping your hair hydrated never goes out of style,” the initial caption read.
It was complete with three hashtags including one referring to Ross as Jackson. The two are 22 years apart from each other in age.
The company later corrected their mistake.
“Much love and respect to all the powerful female icons who have paved the way both in style and talent and our sincerest apology to this true legend,” it wrote with the hashtag #DianaRoss.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIyHsHBAeXw/?taken-by=paulmitchellus
By the time the caption was remedied, a slew of upset commentators had given their take on the issue.
@_simplyme_89 was shocked that the company seemed to believe all Black people look alike and called the slip-up a shame.
Another user blamed interns for the blunder and urged them to double check their work before posting.
Melody Patrice found herself ashamed to work for a Paul Mitchell salon.
@msk3llsss attends the company’s cosmetology school. The user pointed out her academy’s lack of knowledge about Black hair and said the organization mistaking Ross for Jackson “furthers my dislike for Paul Mitchell.”
“[I] regret choosing this school,” the student added.
@blaah.madi questioned how such a major mistake could have been made and was certain the same would not have happened if it were Kim Kardashian and her younger sister, Kylie Jenner.
Nakisha Williams pointed out the singers don’t look the same and thought the hair care provider – which was established in 1980 – should be wiser.
“No one ever mistakes Barbara Streisand for Madonna,” she said.
Referring to the apology that intended “much love and respect,” @lady_anj.thegemini called the error an “insult.”
User BiancaDaGreat offered to help the company as someone who knows about Black celebrities and culture.