'Racist’ D&G advert: Chinese model Zuo Ye claims campaign almost ruined her career

A Chinese model who featured in a Dolce & Gabbana advert accused of racism earlier this year has claimed the campaign nearly ruined her career.

The fashion giant’s ad campaign for their fashion show in Shanghai attracted outrage in November after it was accused of enforcing racist stereotypes.

D&G faced backlash from critics as the ad featured videos of a giggling Chinese model struggling to eat Italian foods, such as pasta, pizza and cannoli, with chopsticks.

Critics also said the use of lanterns and Chinese couplets in the clips were outdated and stereotypical.

Model Zuo Ye has said she felt “guilty and ashamed” following the advert.

In a statement, Ms Zuo said the ad for the high profile fashion brand “nearly killed off my modelling career.”

Explaining the shoot, Ms Zuo said the director told her the advert was going to feature her trying Italian delicacies.

When filming, she said she felt awkward when asked to eat food like pizza and pasta with chopsticks and the director instructed her to look shocked and in disbelief when eating.

The final cut of the advert was not seen by her prior to its release, she added.

Ms Zuo claimed she and her family were attacked following the campaign. In reaction to her latest statement, some of her followers said they hoped she can continue her career.