Beyoncé's Clothing Line Distances Themselves From Sri Lankan Sweatshop Claims

Amid claims from an in-depth article by UK tabloid The Sun that Beyoncé's activewear line, Ivy Park, utilises Sri Lankan sweat shop labour, the sportswear range has distanced themselves from the claims, stating they have a "rigorous ethical trading programme".

A spokesperson said the claims were "unfounded" and stated, "We are proud of our sustained efforts in terms of factory inspections and audits, and our teams worldwide work very closely with our suppliers and their factories to ensure compliance.

"We expect our suppliers to meet our code of conduct and we support them in achieving these requirements."

In their exposé, The Sun alleged that the sweatshop Ivy Park use pay their employees just 44 pence an hour (about AU$0.81), with the workers in Sri Lanka's MAS Holdings factory working 60 hours a week to support themselves. 

A 22-year-old sewing machine operator alleged she was struggling to live off her 18,500 rupees per month salary (roughly AU$381) and just over half the Sri Lankan average wage. She said she works nearly 10 hours a day, Monday to Friday, with 30 minutes for lunch and overtime/Saturday work.

Her sister added, "We have no choice. I have worked here for three years now and it was very difficult at the beginning but I am used to it now."

The news comes just a month after Ivy Park's launch through high street mega-chain Topshop, where Beyoncé claimed the clothing range was "to push the boundaries of ­athletic wear and to support and inspire women who understand that beauty is more than your physical appearance.

"I know that when I feel physically strong, I am mentally strong and I wanted to create a brand that made other women feel the same way."

Beyoncé recently released her visual album, Lemonade, to widespread critical acclaim and is currently on her world tour through the US.