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Over the past week, a video of one of our segments has been shared over social media that has caused some concern and misunderstanding. While the clip has been perceived by some as a moment of cultural insensitivity, it was, in reality, a misinterpreted comment combined with an ill-timed camera cutaway. Our host referred to a situation that many of us have experienced – looking back at a photograph and regretting a fashion, make-up or hairstyle choice made years earlier. To suggest that the host’s comments were anything other than a reference to such a situation simply does not reflect the intent of what was said on-air or our company values. We do, however, recognize how the video clip may have been misperceived and apologize for any offense that it caused.  QVC is committed to diversity and inclusion and we celebrate the uniqueness of every team member, partner and customer.

Here is the personal statement that our host, Sandra, shared on her Facebook page earlier this week:

“Hi everyone. I want to apologize to anyone I offended during a recent Dooney & Bourke show. I made a comment along of the lines of when you carry a Dooney, you look good even if you don't do your hair. It was meant to be lighthearted, but in the middle of my comment, the camera cut to Michelle, an African American model. I want to be clear that I was in no way talking about her. It was just terrible timing. In fact, despite how it may have appeared, I didn't even realize this had happened until today when I saw some comments on Facebook and received a phone call. I have since called Michelle to apologize and thankfully, she didn't remember the comment or even know any of this had happened. I'm confident that anyone who knows me personally understands I would never even think to make such a connection. Still, in our business perception is reality and I'm mortified that I gave that impression. So again, I'm very sorry to our viewers who felt hurt or angered by my comments.”