Lancome faces anger and protests in Hong Kong

Cosmetics giant Lancome closed some of its outlets in Hong Kong Wednesday as protesters gathered at a major mall after the company cancelled a concert featuring a local singer critical of China.

Many Hong Kong residents believe the promotional gig by pro-democracy activist Denise Ho was cancelled after China’s state-run media criticised the French company for allowing her to perform.

Ho was a leading activist during mass rallies in 2014 calling on Beijing to allow fully free elections.

The row comes as fears grow in the semi-autonomous city that Beijing is tightening its grip. Dozens of protesters gathered at the central Times Square shopping mall Wednesday afternoon shouting: “Boycott Lancome!” and “Shame on self-censorship!”

Carrying cardboard cut-outs of Ho, they entered the mall and stuck posters all over the Lancome counter, which had shut for the day ahead of the demonstrations. In the same building, a Lancome beauty centre and the offices of parent company L’Oreal were also closed.

Local media reported the company had issued an internal memo Tuesday asking staff to take the day off. Organisers warned of more action if the company does not respond to swelling public anger.

“The key point of this protest is to show the world that we should unite together and, through boycotting (their products), show Lancome and L’Oreal that you cannot just focus on the China market,” said

Avery Ng, chairman of the League of Social Democrats, one of a dozen groups planning to join the protest. Shoppers in the busy mall stopped to watch the demonstration and take photos.

“I’m worried that commercial organisations in Hong Kong will increasingly come under Chinese influence,” said passerby Natalie Chan.