Roman Abramovich's girlfriend sparks racism row with 'black woman chair' picture
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| Photo: Buro 24/7 |
The image, which accompanied an interview about Zhukova's fashion magazine Garage, showed her seated on a sculptural chair resembling a half-naked Black female figure.
After drawing strong criticism online, the website and its Instagram page removed the photograph following a wave of complaints.
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Read This Next →Why the image drew criticism
Many critics argued the visual evoked troubling historical stereotypes and power dynamics.Commentators on social media described the depiction as insensitive, suggesting it echoed themes of racial objectification and inequality.
The controversy intensified as the image appeared during Martin Luther King Jr Day, a moment when conversations about racial justice typically take centre stage.
Observers expressed concern that portraying a Black female body as furniture risked reinforcing imagery historically associated with dehumanisation and racial hierarchy.
Zhukova responds
Zhukova, who has two children with Roman Abramovich, later addressed the backlash with a public apology.This photograph, which has been published completely out of context, is of an artwork intended specifically as a commentary on gender and racial politics.
I utterly abhor racism, and would like to apologise to anyone who has been offended by this image.
Her response framed the piece as conceptual art rather than editorial styling, though debate over interpretation continued.
Artistic context and Allen Jones comparison
The chair design drew comparisons to a controversial 1969 work by British artist Allen Jones, known for sculptures incorporating female mannequins as functional objects.Jones' works - some of which are associated with the Tate Gallery - have long generated discussion about sexism, objectification and artistic provocation.
In Jones' original pieces, the figures were white female forms.
The racial dimension introduced in the Zhukova image became a focal point for critics, who argued that the shift significantly altered the symbolism and social impact.
Wider debate on art and representation
The incident has reignited broader questions frequently raised in fashion and contemporary art:- Where is the line between artistic commentary and offensive imagery?
- How should historical artistic references be adapted in modern contexts?
- What responsibilities do publishers and brands hold in culturally sensitive matters?
The role of digital backlash
The speed with which the photograph was removed highlights the growing influence of digital audiences in shaping media accountability.Online criticism often forces brands and publishers to respond rapidly to controversies that once unfolded more slowly.
As discussions continue, the episode underscores the evolving relationship between art, fashion and social awareness in the digital era.
