De Beers “Sets Record Straight” on Iman Affair

De Beers is seeking “to set the record straight” following a spate of news articles alleging that supermodel Iman ended her contract with retail venture De Beers LV following reports that De Beers might benefit from a forced re-location program of Bushmen tribes from the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana.

De Beers said the reports connected the end of the contract to a campaign by Survival International, which “absolutely erroneously links the resettlement of the Bushmen in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve to diamonds. 

“It has been repeatedly pointed out to Survival International that there is no connection whatsoever between the relocation policy of the Government of Botswana and diamonds.”

De Beers even cites Botswana President Festus Mogae as backing up its argument. Mogae says that while there is a policy of relocating the Basarwa Bushmen, there is no connection with diamond exploration.

“Iman’s two-year contract with them (De Beers LV) recently expired, having run its full term,” De Beers said.

Jean-Christophe Gandon, De Beers LV’s marketing director said: “Contracts with celebrity icons are mostly of a short-term duration.  The company has enjoyed a great working relationship with Iman and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”