Kim Kardashian has been accused of cultural appropriation after sharing a photo of herself wearing an Indian headpiece.
Considering the reality TV star has been called out for the same reason multiple times in the past, you’d think she’d have learned how to avoid the accusations.
But despite being criticised for wearing cornrows and for styling her hair in fulani braids, a hairstyle which originated in West Africa, Kim is apparently still willing to push some buttons in the name of style.
The 38-year-old shared pictures to Instagram today (April 7), showing her posing in a white dress while wearing a gold Indian headpiece and matching earrings; an outfit she wore to husband Kanye West’s exclusive Sunday Service gathering.
She captioned the photo ‘Sunday Service Vibe’:
According to The Independent, the delicate headpiece is otherwise known as a maang tikka. It is typically worn by a woman for the first time on her wedding day, when it is placed on the bride’s hairline with a drop pendant which rests on her forehead.
It is one of 16 traditional bridal adornments, called the solah shringaar.
After sharing the picture online, many people were quick to slam the reality TV star.
One angry person wrote:
Of course, you have to disrespect the indian culture cause u [sic] think its a costume. I forgot u [sic] were shameless.
While another Instagram user commented:
Nope, Kim. Definitely not here for it. This is Asian heritage, not your damn costume !!!
However, some of Kim’s followers stuck up for her, with one writing:
Love this look!, I love how you embrace different cultures and different things we all think are beautiful!
The 38-year-old has defended herself in the past after being accused of cultural appropriation, as she explained she was aware of, and respected, where fulani braids came from.
Speaking to Bustle, Kim said:
I actually did that look because North said she wanted braids and asked if I would do them with her.
I [do] remember the backlash when I had the blonde hair and that I called them ‘Bo Derek braids.’ But I obviously know they’re called fulani braids and I know the origin of where they came from and I’m totally respectful of that. I’m not tone deaf to where I don’t get it. I do get it.
Though it’s obviously up to Kim to wear whatever she wants, she might want to think twice in the future about whether her outfit could be considered offensive.
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Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.