Singer Ellie Goulding has expressed her regret for promoting diamonds sourced from the Argyle mine in Australia, which has raised environmental concerns regarding Indigenous land. This admission comes despite her long-standing advocacy for environmental issues, particularly the impact of mining on ancestral territories.
Recent Event
Goulding made her remarks after appearing at a Boodles event in London earlier this month, where she modeled newly acquired pink diamonds, some of which originated from the controversial mine in Western Australia.
“"Protecting the environment is a cause close to my heart. I always strive to uphold those values. Regretfully, in this instance, I fell short," Goulding stated. She was honored with an MBE for her contributions to biodiversity and climate advocacy last year.
Acknowledgment of Concerns
In her statement, Goulding acknowledged her lack of awareness regarding the issues surrounding the Argyle mine and expressed gratitude for being informed.
“"You will certainly not see me wearing diamonds originating from the Argyle mine again. The Indigenous and local communities affected deserve better. While I am mortified to have made this error in judgment, I am letting this moment serve as a reminder and an opportunity to continue to question the status quo, to learn and do better," she added.
As a global goodwill ambassador for the UN Environment Programme and an advocate for the WWF, Goulding's commitment to environmental causes has been well-documented. The WWF emphasized its serious stance on the environmental impacts of mining and its effects on Indigenous communities, stating:
