Vancouver Candle Co. founder "steps away" after racist message apology
One of Vancouver Candle Co’s co-owners says he’s stepping away from the company after texts from him defending using the N-word and another using anti-Jewish language were shared online over the weekend.
Nick Rabuchin, Vancouver Candle Co’s creative director and head of design, shared news of his resignation in an Instagram post from the company’s account Tuesday morning.
“My partner and I agree that it is best that I step away from Vancouver Candle Co, so the company can continue doing what it does best, without the distractions that I caused,” he said.
The candle company’s other co-owner is Rabuchin’s partner, Farouk Babul.
“My life partner and I have always prided ourselves on being models of diversity and inclusivity … especially since we are an interracial gay couple,” Rabuchin wrote. “Today, I realize that I used my diverse identity as a licence to behave poorly, which is just wrong, and I am truly sorry.”
On Sunday, Christina McDaniel of Warner McDaniel Agency shared screenshots of three text messages allegedly sent from Vancouver Candle Co.’s owners to herself and a business associate.
One message from an unnamed number refers to McDaniel, who is a Black woman, using the N-word. Rabuchin has denied sending that, saying in a previous post that Vancouver Candle Co. doesn’t know who the numbers belong to.
But the candle company did own up to sending the two other texts McDaniel shared. One defending use of the N-word, and another called one of the shop owners carrying Vancouver Candle Co.’s products a “f*cking Jew.”
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McDaniel told Daily Hive she decided to share the screenshots after seeing Vancouver Candle Co. share a post in solidarity with Black Lives Matter. She believed it was disingenuous given the previous communication she’d had with Rabuchin.
On Monday, Rabuchin addressed his comments.
“I did rationalize the use of that hateful slur [the N-word] as being an acceptable part of pop culture. I apologize sincerely and absolutely. I was totally out of line and wrong.”
He also addressed his Jewish comment.
“Also, three years ago, I sent a derogatory text about a fellow member of the Jewish community. My text was most offensive. I’m ashamed and embarrassed.”
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Rabuchin added he’s reached out to apologize to McDaniel and to the shop owner, and says he’s working on issuing apologies to Black Lives Matter Vancouver and the Jewish Foundation of Greater Vancouver.
The revelations about Rabuchin’s comments have disappointed many fans of the candle company, according to Instagram comments on both posts. Major retailer Indigo appears to have removed the candles from its online store following comments by customers asking it to discontinue carrying the line.
Read the full statement from Vancouver Candle Co. below:
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