SZA Addresses Ethical Concerns Surrounding the iPhone 17 Pro Max
In a recent Instagram post, artist Solána Imani Rowe, known as SZA, responded to discussions regarding the new iPhone 17 Pro Max. Her remark poignantly highlighted the grim reality that “children in Congo literally died for this phone.”
The Instagram entry showcased a still from a performance by Dua Lipa, overlaid with the text:
“IF ANYONE ASKS IF THE IPHONE 17 PRO MAX IS WORTH IT, JUST SHOW THEM THIS (WAIT FOR THE ZOOM OUT).”
SZA’s comment stood out as she added:
“Children in Congo literally died for this phone. I absolutely hope the zoom was worth it.”
The Guardian reported that a 2019 lawsuit in the United States named prominent tech companies—Apple, Google, Dell, Microsoft, and Tesla—as defendants. The lawsuit stemmed from the deaths of Congolese children involved in cobalt mining, a critical component for rechargeable lithium batteries found in electronic devices.
Field research conducted by anti-slavery economist Siddharth Kara suggests that these companies may have indirectly facilitated the fatalities and severe injuries of child laborers in cobalt mines in Congo. The plaintiffs, represented by the human rights organization International Rights Advocates, filed the lawsuit on behalf of 14 families from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a broader context, the Democratic Republic of Congo also lodged complaints against Apple’s subsidiaries in France and Belgium in 2024, alleging the inappropriate use of conflict minerals, including tin, tantalum, and tungsten sourced from conflict zones. Apple has publicly denied these allegations.
SZA’s remarks did not escape the scrutiny of social media users, with one individual capturing a screenshot of her comment and disseminating it on X.
User Reactions to SZA’s Statement on iPhone 17 Pro Max
The fallout from SZA’s assertion about the exploitation of Congolese children resonated throughout social media, prompting a diversity of responses on X.
A user conveyed their bewilderment, stating:
“What’s wrong with this girl.”
Conversely, another individual expressed gratitude towards the singer for shedding light on “the suffering in the world,” remarking:
“SZA ain’t lie tho nothing wrong with raising awareness about the suffering in the world and how we contribute to it.”
However, some users criticized SZA’s stance, with one remarking on her apparent hypocrisy, claiming she has likely used over 50 phones:
“SZA has eaten over 50 phones in her life; this is so hypocritical of her omg, I’m not listening to her anymore xD.”
Another user lauded her, declaring:
“THIS GIRL IS ON FIRE.”
Yet another commentator accused SZA of being “performative,” suggesting that her recent activism may not be sincere:
“First she disses Taylor; now she wants to be all performative.”
As noted by Global Citizen, SZA has previously utilized her platform to advocate against environmental racism and support mental health awareness. Additionally, she has provided financial assistance to a fan undergoing chemotherapy.
Source link: Soapcentral.com.
