The internet has been full of stories in recent weeks, of people doing their utmost to help each other, and others doing their utmost to make a quick buck in trying times. In some cases, though, it's difficult to know who is achieving what. Just ask Tala Alamuddin, sister of Amal Clooney, who has been accused of cashing on on the coronavirus.
Tala, a designer of accessories and the sister-in-law of Hollywood actor George, is selling a face mask for $33 via her website - that's just shy of £28. Called Le Mashque, it's available in denim, camouflage and leopard print. The site states: 'in our predictable world, where battling the elements is an everyday concern, we've got you covered.' Nevertheless, some comments have suggested that Tala is exploiting a crisis, with one telling her that she should be 'ashamed' of herself.
'When I heard there were no masks and no toilet paper, I thought, "I can’t make toilet paper, but I can make masks", Tala tells Page Six. 'I was just trying to do what I could.'
The masks, however, are not medically certified against viruses. 'It protects as much as possible, but [they] are not medically certified', she says. 'This is better than nothing. Why not add joy and something that looks good in the midst of misery? It’s a little injection of a good feeling. That’s all.'
Tala, who lives in Singapore, says the profits from the sales go to the Singapore Red Cross, adding 'I don’t want to make anything from this. I want to help.'
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