Models Sophie Applegarth and Julie Iovenitti defend blackface costumes

Sophie Applegarth and Julie Iovenitti have defended their controversial Venus and Serena Williams fancy dress costumes, with the models previously sparking fierce backlash for sharing photos of themselves in blackface.

The pair chose the shocking costumes for a ‘sports stars’ party, covering themselves in dark paint in a bid to look like the tennis champs.

Another woman, their friend Sally Coburn, was also spotted wearing blackface to imitate Kobe Bryant.

After being slammed on social media for the costumes, a private conversation between Iovenitti and one of her followers, obtained by the Daily Mail Australia, has seen the star attempt to defend the images.

She tells the shocked social media user: “There is nothing racist about backing your favourite sport stars, mate.”

She then added: “Go to school and learn what racism really means.”

Applegarth previously told her fans that she meant no offence by the images, sharing a disclaimer that read: “Disclaimer — I had no ‘racist’ or malicious intent by the photos I just uploaded.

“We were praising our fave sports stars Serena and Venus Williams. Did not mean to offend.”

Eagle-eyed critics have noticed that Applegarth’s profile has been removed from Chic Management’s website in light of the scandal and Yahoo Celeb UK have contacted their reps for comment.

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