'This sh-t needs to stop': Blogger Sasha Exeter calls out Jessica Mulroney over white privilege, 'threatening' behaviour

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Updates to an earlier version of this story have been added below.

Jessica Mulroney has issued an apology amidst claims of using her “white privilege” to threaten a Canadian blogger.

On Wednesday, lifestyle blogger Sasha Exeter released an 11 minute video to social media detailing a recent exchange with Mulroney that left Exeter worried for her career.

According to Exeter, she first received upsetting messages from the “I Do, Redo” host after she issued a generic call to fellow influencers, encouraging them to use their platforms to “use their voice for good and help combat the race war and what’s happened to the black community.”

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Exeter told followers that she was mindful not to mention any of her peers by name directly, however Mulroney, whom she calls a “former acquaintance” allegedly took offence to the post.

“Listen, I am by no means calling Jess a racist but what I will say is this, she is very well aware of her wealth, her perceived power and privilege because of the colour of her skin,” Exeter said in the video. “And that my friends, gave her the momentary confidence to come for my livelihood in writing. Textbook white privilege in my personal opinion.”

Exeter said that Mulroney had been noticeably silent on social media regarding the Black Lives Matter movement and the ongoing global protests. Mulroney’s silence, Exeter said, was out of character for the brand strategist and stylist, who has been public about her support for causes in the past.

Exeter added she was equally confused due to Mulroney’s friendship with Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, whom she calls was “arguably one of the most famous black women in the world.”

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“During the span of about a week or so, Jessica basically ticked every single box of what a white woman should absolutely not do during the biggest racial uproar in history,” she continued. “Citing that this really wasn’t a problem she really didn’t want to share on her social channels, excuses that she would be bullied or vilified by the public and the media if she did, claimed her show was more important to promote because it was going into it’s season finale because, after all -this is her job and get this ‘they matter, too.’”

Exeter went on to detail that Mulroney claimed in writing that she had spoken to “companies and people” about the way Exeter had supposedly treated Mulroney “unfairly.” Exeter said that worried her, since she earns her income from working with companies and brands on her blog.

“For her to threaten me, a single mom, a single black mom, during a racial pandemic blows my mind,” Exeter said.

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Exeter admitted she had been “paralyzed with fear” to share her alleged interaction with Mulroney, whom she compared to Amy Cooper, the woman who called the police on Christian Cooper, a black man birdwatching in Central Park.

Exeter said she felt it was important to share her story, despite potentially opening herself up to additional bullying and racism.

“This sh-t needs to stop right now,” she said. “The goal here is genuine, transformative change. Not optical and performative bullsh-t. You cannot be posting that you stand in solidarity while attempting to silence somebody via text.”

Mulroney issued an apology to Exeter in the comments section of the video.

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“You are right when you say ‘this shit needs to stop.’ As leaders, we need to join hands and call out wrongs.
I know we have different experiences. And that is something that, even in the course of a heated argument, I need to acknowledge and understand,” Mulroney began. “I am unequivocally sorry for not doing that with you, and for any hurt I caused.”

Mulroney alluded to her friendship with Markle, who has been the target of racist remarks and headlines by British tabloids. She also told Exeter she is learning to become a better ally.

“As I told you privately, I have lived a very public and personal experience with my closest friend where race was front and centre. It was deeply educational. I learned a lot from that,” she continued. “I promise to continue to learn and listen on how I can use my privilege to elevate and support black voices.”

Neither Exeter or Mulroney were available for comment as of Thursday at 11 a.m.

Update:

Following Mulroney’s apology, Exeter returned to social media on Thursday morning to thank her followers for their support, admitting to being “tired” and “stressed” from the ordeal.

“My following may be small...y’all be stepping up and pulling up and coming through for me every single time,” Exeter said in a series of Instagram stories.

After revealing that her father stayed up all night to read supportive messages from fans, Exeter revealed that there had been “developments” since she shared her story publicly.

According to Exeter, following her public apology, Mulroney sent a direct message notifying Exeter of a potential lawsuit.

“Here’s what happens when you call out someone with privilege and wealth - they publicly make an apology or a statement and privately, behind closed doors, they send you a threat of filing a lawsuit against you,” Exeter said.

Despite the alleged lawsuit, Exeter said she will do whatever it takes to protect herself, since she has the “unequivocal truth” on her side.

“I honestly don’t know what’s worse here, her losing her perceived power to try and threaten my livelihood or using her resources to basically shut me up,” she continued. “But whatever the case is, it needs to stop.”

In a separate Instagram Story, Exeter included a screenshot of her Instagram direct message inbox, with an alleged message from Mulroney at the top of the screen.

The message read simply, “Liable suit. Good luck. [sic]”

Exeter concluded her message to fans by revealing she was going to take a break from social media.

In the hours following Exeter’s reveal, Mulroney issued a separate apology on her own account.

Mulroney addressed the incident, writing that Exeter “rightfully” called her out not doing enough with her platform to support the “important and difficult conversation around race and injustice in our society.”

According to Mulroney, she took the confrontation personally, and knows that she needs to “do better.”

“I want to say from my heart that every word of my apologies to Sasha over the course of the last two weeks privately, and again both publicly and privately today is true,” she continued. “I did not intend in any way to jeopardize her livelihood. We had a disagreement and it got out of hand. For that I am sorry.”

Mulroney continued by acknowledging that the bigger conversation should be not about her, but about the black community. She also announced that she would be taking a break from social media and will be giving her “microphone to black voices,” who she hopes will use her account to share their experiences.

“I plan to use this time to reflect, learn and listen,” Mulroney told followers. “I have also asked Sasha if she would be willing to take over my account whenever she is comfortable and tell her story.”

Mulroney concluded by making a public commitment to use her platform and resources available to her towards anti-racism efforts. Mulroney ended her statement by saying, “I hope you will all continue to hold me accountable.”

Neither Exeter or Mulroney have responded to additional requests for comment as of Thursday at 2:22 pm.

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