L'Oreal discrimination verdict upheld

PARIS, June 25 (UPI) -- The highest court in France upheld a 2007 ruling Thursday, declaring cosmetic giant L'Oreal guilty of racial discrimination.

Attorneys said the company's beauty division, Garnier, had a hiring policy known as "blue, white, red" -- the colors of the French flag -- meaning employees should be white and French-born, The Times of London reported.

The company's image had already been tarnished by rumors singer Beyonce Knowles' skin had been lightened for an advertising campaign. Company executives were forced to deny the allegation.

France's highest court, the Court of Cassation, also ruled recruitment agency Adecco was guilty of discrimination.

The lower court had ordered the companies to pay $83,600, including $41,000 each to SOS Racisme, the group that had brought the complaints.

SOS Racisme Vice Chairman Samuel Thomas called the decision a "very great victory."

"Whatever the size of the company, none is able to escape prosecution," he said.