What was supposed to be a defining moment of celebration for hairstylist and influencer Alice Dimplz at the WIBA 2025 Awards has turned into a global conversation about recognition, equity, and visibility for women in business.
Held in Cannes, France, the Women in Business Awards (WIBA) are widely regarded as one of the most prestigious honors spotlighting women innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders from across the globe.
But this year’s ceremony drew attention for more than just the winners, after Dimplz revealed she received her trophy after the event had ended and most attendees had exited the venue.
“They gave me my award after the event was over and everyone had left the room,” Dimplz said in a candid video posted to social media.
An Award Without Applause
Dimplz, known for her vibrant artistry and global influence in beauty and identity, had been invited as a recipient at the ceremony. But reports confirm she was never called to the stage during the main program. Instead, the trophy was handed to her quietly post-event—a move that many online have described as “humiliating” and “dismissive.”
The viral TikTok captioned “Hairstylist Alice Dimplz Humiliated at WIBA Award in France!” has sparked widespread backlash, with supporters rallying behind her and calling out the WIBA organizers for their handling of the situation.
“Recognition without visibility is like applause in an empty room,” one user wrote, echoing a growing sentiment that public acknowledgment is central to what such honors represent.
Community Outrage and Silence from Organizers
While Dimplz’s fans and fellow creatives express outrage, the WIBA Awards have yet to release an official statement addressing the incident. The silence has only fueled the controversy, with critics pointing out that institutions like WIBA—despite claiming to uplift women—must be held accountable for upholding dignity, especially for Black creatives and grassroots changemakers.
Experts say the mishandling of award presentations, especially at international events, risks being seen as a microaggression—a subtle but harmful signal of who is and isn’t valued.
A Broader Message About Inclusion
The controversy touches on broader issues in global award culture, including brand ethics, event accountability, and the lasting impact of oversight in spaces that claim to celebrate diversity.
“It’s like being invited to a feast but made to eat alone in the kitchen,” noted one social media user, in a comment that has since been reposted across platforms.
As award shows around the world face increased scrutiny for how they honor talent, Dimplz’s experience underscores the importance of intentional visibility—not just symbolic inclusion.
About WIBA: Celebrating Women With Purpose
The WIBA awards recognize leading women across categories like Entrepreneur of the Year, Tech Innovator, Social Impact Leader, and Young Trailblazer. The 2025 edition brought global attention to rising stars in fintech, e-commerce, renewable energy, and health tech from regions including Africa, North America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.
But the incident with Dimplz has become a cautionary tale, reminding organizers everywhere that prestige alone is not enough; how you celebrate matters just as much as who you celebrate.
