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Michael Costello Denies Racial Slur & Theft Rumors

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Premiere designer Michael Costello, who created Beyonce’s sexy white gown for the 2014 Grammys, is under scrutiny after being accused of theft by and up and coming designer Maxine James. According to  Maxine’s Instagram, Costello purchased a dress from her then posted it on the social media platform as if it were his own designs.

“When I received pymt from @mtcostello @michaelcostello a week ago I was lost for words… excited but a TAD confused … I called wubs like ‘wow my favorite designer just purchased a dress from me wow he wants a dress from little ol me?!’ Like this man makes dresses for freakin BEYONCE and he just bought a dress from me!” a week later This happens he literally bought my EXACT dress … Put it on HIS model took pictures in HIS showroom as if he designed this piece his self,” she wrote.

Michael Costello’s sister, who is also his creative director, responded to her accusations, saying:

“There has been a recent accusation that MT Costello posted a picture on our Instagram account of a dress that was purchased from another designer. The image was later reposted by the same designer and included a caption stating we had bought the dress and were attempting to rebrand it as our own. As the co-designer of MT Costello, I feel it is important to address this matter and provide an explanation to all affected by the issue. I, Stephanie Costello, purchased the garment in question due to the apparent similarities between it and a gown that Michael Costello and I designed that was posted on social media over a year ago.

Regretfully, my emotions became involved when the dress arrived and, driven by frustration, proceeded to photograph the dress on a model in our showroom as a sarcastic and inappropriate attempt to expose the designer’s garment as a forged duplication of our own. I did not, nor ever intended to sell the item as a MT Costello product. As a business we take duplicated work very seriously as it affects our ability to support employees, interns and families. Michael and I work diligently on our gowns adding signature cuts and silhouettes unique to the MT Costello brand.

As designers we grow attached to our creations and I reacted emotionally before considering the effect it would have on the public and the brand. I realize that my attempt to expose the designer and the garment was extremely unprofessional and for that I apologize. I ask for your understanding and forgiveness for my emotionally driven reaction. I have learned a valuable lesson from this experience and fully intend to address similar situations in the future more professionally. Sincerely, Stephanie Costello.”

Costello was then accused of using a racial slur in reply to the controversy. A photo  that he says is photoshopped began circulating the internet.

“Your Just probably a dumb n*gger defending her. I am royalty bitch! I dressed Beyonce! Who are they gonna believe!,” the picture reads.

Michael stepped in to dispel rumors once and for all.

Recently, a falsified image has circulated depicting Michael Costello using a derogatory racial slur. The image was created using image editing software and in no way depicts the views of Mr. Costello. ​

“I have never used, and would never use, racial slurs,” Costello expressed. “The hurtful screenshot circulating is fake and does not represent my views on society, nor do I condone the use of such a terrible term. I have worked my whole life to further the cause of equality. Diversity is the very foundation that Michael Costello (the brand) was built upon. I am deeply upset and I am struggling to understand why someone would try to tarnish my reputation by creating a fake screenshot of me using a derogatory term.”

The image of concern was distributed by an Instagram account that has continually harassed and slandered Costello in an attempt to defame his character. His family, brand and employees have all fallen victim to attacks from the account. It is believed that a disgruntled intern, who is no longer employed with the company, created the account. “Fortunately, Instagram has been very cooperative in working with Mr. Costello to delete accounts created by the people who created the false picture and who are attempting to disseminate it,” said Neama Rahmani, Michael Costello’s attorney at West Coast Trial Lawyers.

“Mr. Costello and his attorneys will continue working with Instagram and the legal system to bring these cyber bullies to justice.” As our investigation in the matter continues updates with further information will be released. #michaelcostello

Who do you believe?

AM BUZZ: Omarion Responds To Paternity Test Rumors; Tyrese Blasts Comedian Who Called Him Gay & More  was originally published on hellobeautiful.com

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