Cuban Police Removed Homeless People From Outside Chanel’s Havana Show
This was the first time Chanel has ever showcased merchandise in a communist country.
By Maya Allen
Cubans criticized the luxury brand for showcasing its pieces in a country where according to NPR, the average person makes less than $25 a month.
Cuban blogger and journalist Yoani Sánchez reported that for the past few days, in preparation for the show, Cuban police had been clearing the homeless seeking refuge in Havana Square, where the fashion show took place.
“#Cuba: Police evicted beggars of Cathedral Square to prepare the place for the Chanel parade,” she wrote.
The Panama Post also reported that police were clearing homeless people from the area before Chanel’s models and guests arrived.
Racked reported that apparently this isn’t the first time the Cuban government has done this. According to the U.K.’s Daily Express, when the Pope visited Cuba last year, thousands of mentally ill and homeless people were kicked off of the streets, and some were even jailed prior to his visit.
