After Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana controversially called in-vitro fertilization “synthetic” in a recent interview with an Italian magazine, Elton John called for a boycott of their clothes and criticized the designers for their “archaic thinking.” John’s protest gathered steam amongst thousands of fans and a number of celebrities, but the iconic musician seemingly called it off on Wednesday night by admitting that he still loves Dolce & Gabbana during his Las Vegas concert.
“You are born and you have a father and mother. At least it should be like that. That’s why I’m not convinced by what I call chemical children, synthetic babies,” said Dolce in the interview, prompting John to launch his viral campaign to boycott Dolce & Gabbana clothes.
John’s two sons, four-year-old Zachary and two-year-old Elijah, were conceived with the help of a surrogate and artificial insemination. The “Tiny Dancer” singer was initially infuriated by Dolce’s claims that his children should be considered “synthetic.”
“Shame on you for wagging your judgmental little fingers at IVF – a miracle that has allowed legions of loving people, both straight and gay, to fulfil their dream of having children,” wrote John online. ‘Your archaic thinking is out of step with the times, just like your fashions. I shall never wear Dolce and Gabbana ever again. #BoycottDolceGabbana.”
Over 66,000 people soon joined his call to boycott the luxury brand, and celebrities such as Glee producer Ryan Murphy and former Dolce and Gabbana ambassador Victoria Beckham voiced their support for John.
When CNN asked Dolce to explain his controversial remarks, the designer said that he believes in “the traditional family” and isn’t able to change his culture for something different. While he is aware of John’s call for people to boycott his clothes, Dolce has no plans to boycott the artist.
‘I love the music of Elton John,” Dolce told CNN. “Every people resolve everything by talk…we start to talk, the problem is resolved.”
While John didn’t reveal whether such discussions ever took place, he seemed to have made his peace with Dolce & Gabbana and praised the designers on stage at the Las Vegas Colosseum. John listed the pair alongside icons such as Nelson Mandela and Lady Diana as inspirational people who have changed the world, and while his praise was initially met with laughter by the audience, John went on to prove he was being series by adding, “the band have been wearing Dolce & Gabbana, I love Dolce & Gabbana clothes.”
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