Sasha Exeter Jessica Mulroney

The public exchange between Sasha Exeter and Jessica Mulroney in 2020 became a defining moment in discussions surrounding white privilege, race relations, and influencer accountability in Canada. What began as a social media call for solidarity quickly escalated into a widely reported controversy that revealed the complex layers of privilege and unconscious bias within social and professional relationships. This incident not only affected the careers and public perception of both women but also sparked a broader cultural conversation about racism, allyship, and responsibility among public figures.

Background of Sasha Exeter

Who is Sasha Exeter?

Sasha Exeter is a Canadian lifestyle blogger, influencer, and former elite athlete. Known for her platform So Sasha, she promotes wellness, fitness, and inclusive living. Exeter is also a vocal advocate for racial equality and uses her online presence to speak on social issues. As a Black woman navigating the media space, she often brings forward the importance of representation, equity, and justice in both online and real-world communities.

Her Role in Advocacy

Before the incident with Jessica Mulroney, Sasha Exeter had already established herself as a trusted voice in conversations around health, motherhood, and inclusivity. She gained recognition for her ability to blend lifestyle content with real, often challenging discussions about race and identity. Her followers appreciated her transparency and her efforts to bring meaningful dialogue to the influencer space.

Who is Jessica Mulroney?

Public Image and Background

Jessica Mulroney is a Canadian fashion stylist and television personality. She is widely known for her work with bridal fashion and as a style consultant. Jessica rose to broader fame as a close friend of Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, and for her appearances on various television shows in Canada and the United States. Her social connections and influence in the fashion and media industries made her a recognizable public figure long before the controversy erupted.

Media Ties and Celebrity Connections

Due to her family connections being married to Ben Mulroney, son of former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and her friendship with British royalty, Jessica Mulroney maintained a high-profile position in Canadian society. These connections also made her public behavior subject to intense scrutiny. Her reputation was built on elegance, charitable efforts, and public appearances, which made the incident with Sasha Exeter all the more impactful.

The Conflict: What Happened

Instagram Call to Action

The controversy began when Sasha Exeter posted an Instagram video urging fellow influencers, particularly white influencers, to use their platforms to support the Black Lives Matter movement. Without naming anyone initially, Exeter mentioned that a prominent individual had taken offense to her message and engaged in a series of confrontational messages in response.

Jessica Mulroney’s Response

Shortly after Exeter’s video, it became apparent that Jessica Mulroney was the unnamed individual. Screenshots revealed that Mulroney had sent private messages to Exeter that were widely interpreted as threatening, including one where she said, I have also spoken to companies and people about the way you have treated me unfairly. You think your voice matters. Well it only matters if you express it with kindness and without shaming people who are simply trying to learn. Good luck.

This message was seen by many as an attempt to silence and intimidate Exeter, particularly due to the power imbalance between them. Mulroney later apologized publicly, acknowledging her misstep, but the damage had already been done in the eyes of many observers.

Public Reaction and Fallout

Impact on Jessica Mulroney’s Career

Following the backlash, Jessica Mulroney faced immediate consequences. Brands and networks distanced themselves from her. She was dropped from her fashion segments on Good Morning America, and her show I Do, Redo was canceled by CTV. She also stepped away from professional duties and apologized publicly on several occasions, stating that she had reflected deeply on her actions and the pain they caused.

Support for Sasha Exeter

Exeter, meanwhile, received widespread support for her courage in speaking up. Many public figures, particularly Black creators and activists, rallied around her to express solidarity. Her decision to go public, despite knowing it might bring backlash, was seen as a brave stand against systemic silence and white privilege within influencer culture. Sasha became a symbol of the growing movement calling for accountability from those in positions of power and influence.

Race, Privilege, and Power Dynamics

Lessons from the Incident

This confrontation exposed the often-unspoken realities of privilege and influence in social media spaces. It highlighted how white allies can misinterpret calls for solidarity as personal attacks, and how power imbalances can manifest even in private conversations. The situation underscored the importance of listening, learning, and responding with humility rather than defensiveness when confronted about race-related issues.

Ongoing Cultural Reflection

For many, the Exeter-Mulroney conflict was a moment of awakening. It prompted wider discussions across Canadian media about how racism manifests in everyday interactions and how individuals with privilege must actively choose to be allies. It also sparked changes within organizations and brands that were forced to reconsider the influencers they support and the values they wish to reflect publicly.

Where Are They Now?

Sasha Exeter’s Continued Advocacy

Since the incident, Sasha Exeter has continued to build her platform with even greater purpose. She remains vocal about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and collaborates with brands that align with her values. Exeter has also expanded her influence through public speaking and editorial contributions, using her voice to encourage lasting change both online and offline.

Jessica Mulroney’s Public Recalibration

Jessica Mulroney has maintained a lower public profile since the controversy. While she has made occasional social media appearances and statements about personal growth, her professional activity in the public eye has significantly declined. The incident served as a turning point in her career, with some interpreting her withdrawal as part of a deeper effort to reflect and address the critiques that emerged during the crisis.

The Sasha Exeter and Jessica Mulroney incident was more than just a social media dispute it was a moment that laid bare the deeply rooted dynamics of race and privilege within the influencer world and beyond. It sparked necessary conversations in Canada and around the globe about how public figures respond to calls for justice, how privilege can be misused, and what genuine allyship looks like. Sasha Exeter emerged as a resilient and respected voice for change, while Jessica Mulroney’s experience became a cautionary tale about the importance of humility and accountability in the face of racial injustice. As these conversations continue, the impact of this moment remains a powerful reminder of the work that still lies ahead in building a more equitable society.