Cultural appropriation has been a common practice throughout history. Examples include the Beach Boys borrowing Chuck Berry’s musical ideas and sports teams utilizing Native American mascots. It is acceptable to exchange and blend cultures, as long as proper credit is given to the source, which is referred to as cultural appreciation. However, if something is taken and falsely presented as one’s own for temporary advantages, it becomes cultural appropriation. Have a look at our compilation of famous individuals who have faced accusations of cultural appropriation.
Gwen Stefani’s Insensitive Aesthetics
Certain individuals on this roster have been involved in cultural appropriation either occasionally or consistently throughout their careers. For example, during her time in No Doubt, Gwen Stefani frequently donned a bindi and has also been photographed in Native American clothing.
Nevertheless, the most blatant illustration of Stefani’s appropriation of culture can be seen in her utilization of Harajuku girls and her fashion line. During the mid-2000s, she had four Japanese backup dancers who would pose alongside her. However, it is important to recognize that Asian culture should not be treated as a mere accessory or prop.
Emma Stone in Aloha
Cultural appropriation can occur in various settings, such as TV shows and movies. Interestingly, there was controversy surrounding the casting choice in the movie Aloha, where Emma Stone, who is originally from Arizona, was selected to portray Allison Ng, a character of Chinese and Hawaiian descent. This decision sparked criticism, as there are indeed Asian actresses who could have filled the role more appropriately.
Afterward, director Cameron Crowe issued an apology and clarified that the character’s appearance was intentionally detached from her background. Emma Stone also expressed her remorse and acknowledged that the incident served as a lesson regarding the issue of whitewashing in the entertainment industry.
Pharrell Williams’s Holi Collection
Regarding cultural appropriation, numerous individuals are understandably frustrated when their cultural heritage is treated as a mere commodity. Essentially, this refers to instances where individuals from different cultures exploit elements of another culture solely for the purpose of appearing trendy, unconventional, or unique, only to abandon it later on.
Pharrell Williams demonstrated this behavior by launching his 2018 Hu Holi Powder Dye Collection in collaboration with Adidas. In doing so, he took inspiration from the Indian Holi Festival for the sole purpose of marketing shoes, which can be seen as lacking cultural sensitivity. Additionally, he was photographed wearing a war bonnet, which further stirred controversy.
Kylie Jenner’s Beauty Choices
How can we address the culturally appropriative actions of Ms. Kylie Jenner? Many believe that the reality star achieved success in her makeup business by adopting and profiting from the styles and looks associated with black women, starting with her artificially enhanced lips.
In addition to that, Kylie Jenner has consistently chosen to wear hairstyles traditionally associated with protection, even though she is of white descent. Whether it’s durags, cornrows, or locs, Kylie embraces cultural influences without hesitation. Furthermore, in response to criticism about her blonde twists, she stated that she was inspired by Gwen Stefani.
Tilda Swinton in Doctor Strange
In an effort to steer clear of Asian stereotypes, writer C. Robert Cargill made a unique casting choice for the 2016 film Doctor Strange. Instead of adhering to the Fu Manchu, Dragon Lady, or subordinate young woman stereotypes, the writer decided to create a role specifically tailored for Scottish actress Tilda Swinton, effectively avoiding any potential portrayal of these stereotypes.
The reason Cargill avoided casting an Asian actor for the character in the comics is because the character himself is a Tibetan man. It seems that Cargill wanted to avoid any potential controversies surrounding Tibetan politics.
Michelle Williams’s Native-Inspired Shoot
Native Americans are severely marginalized in American society, making it highly disrespectful to portray them as mere costumes. Regrettably, this misguided understanding of Native American culture as exotic or spiritual often leads to their inappropriate portrayal in fashion shoots.
Michelle Williams, an American actress, faced criticism in 2013 when she appeared in AnOther magazine wearing a braided wig and turkey feathers, which stereotypically represented Native Americans.
Scarlett Johansson in Ghost in the Shell
One might assume that Hollywood would have taken a lesson from the casting of Emma Stone, a non-Asian actress, as a part Asian character in the movie “Aloha” in 2015. However, it seems that Hollywood did not learn from this situation, as in 2017, Scarlett Johansson, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed actress, was chosen to play the main character in the manga adaptation “Ghost in the Shell.”
Given that the film is adapted from a Japanese manga, it would be logical to assume that the character would be of Asian descent. The situation became more problematic when it was revealed that the filmmakers had been using CGI and effects to alter Johansson’s appearance and make her look Asian.
Katy Perry’s Ongoing Appropriation
Once again, we have an example of cultural appropriation in the case of Katy Perry, a Californian artist. She faced criticism for engaging in yellowface during her performance at the 2013 American Music Awards, where she dressed up as a geisha. Her act included bowing and a Westernized portrayal of “Asian” culture.
Additionally, in her “Dark Horse” music video, she incorporates Egyptian symbols and in her “This Is How We Do” video, she unapologetically embodies racial stereotypes, as exemplified by her eating watermelon while wearing cornrows.
Ariana Grande’s Blackfishing
Ariana Grande, a petite pop sensation, has faced allegations of appropriating Japanese culture and engaging in a practice called blackfishing. Being a fan of Japan, she has incorporated Japanese symbols into her merchandise. Unfortunately, when getting a tattoo of her song title “7 Rings” on her hand, she unintentionally ended up with the words “BBQ Grill” instead.
In broad terms, the Italian-American individual has faced allegations of darkening her complexion and misleadingly presenting herself as African-American. In a more specific instance, Grande was accused of emulating the styles of rappers 2 Chainz, Soulja Boy, and Princess Nokia in her song “7 Rings.”
Adele’s Bantu Knots
In general, Adele, a singer from England, is commonly seen as someone who values and respects diverse cultures. She has expressed her admiration for African American singers Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald and has also referred to Beyoncé as “the most significant artist in my life.” Nevertheless, Adele also made a mistake in 2020.
The singer shared images of herself donning a bikini adorned with the Jamaican flag, complemented by her hair styled in bantu knots. She sported this outfit in honor of the Notting Hill Carnival, a celebration embracing diverse cultures. Nevertheless, this mistake cannot be justified.
Miley Cyrus’ Twerking
It is likely that Miley Cyrus sparked renewed discussions about cultural appropriation when she confidently performed alongside Robin Thicke and twerked at the 2013 VMA Awards. As a former Disney star, she serves as a prominent illustration of cultural appropriation since she incorporated African American styles but quickly abandoned them for her subsequent album.
Miley was all about “ratchet” dancing, grills, and dreadlocks, despite the collective groans of the African American community. At this time, she regularly used black women as props.
Jennifer Lopez’s African American Appropriation
While J.Lo was born to Puerto Rican parents in the Bronx, that doesn’t give her the right to appropriate African American culture. The artist has been accused of stealing songs and samples from various African American artists including Ashanti, Christina Milian, and Mariah Carey.
On top of this, Lopez has posted pictures of herself with gelled-down baby hairs, and a t-shirt reading “Bronx Girl Magic.” Considering this is a riff on the original “Black Girl Magic,” we can see why this ruffled some feathers.
Heidi Klum’s Kali Costume
German model Heidi Klum is known for her annual Halloween party and the outlandish costumes she dons for the event. Over the years, the Project Runway host has dressed up as Fiona from Shrek, a flesh-eating alien, and Jessica Rabbit. However, the model caused a stir when she dressed up as Hindu goddess Kali in 2008.
Kali is a sacred figure in Hindu culture, whereas Klum’s blue-skinned costume was meant to be funny. On other occasions, the model has worn a Native American war bonnet.
Selena Gomez’s Indian Appropriation
Here’s another repeat offender of cultural appropriation — pop star Selena Gomez. The Mexican-American artist really leaned into Indian aesthetics for a while, causing an understandable backlash. Gomez performed at the 2013 MTV Movie Awards wearing a bindi and a sari-style outfit.
In response to criticisms from The Universal Society of Hinduism, the artist said, “The song kind of has that almost Hindu feel, that tribal feel. I kind of wanted to translate that.” Hey Selena, Hinduism and tribalism are different things.
Avril Lavigne’s “Hello Kitty” Video
The obvious sequel to Gwen Stefani’s Harajuku Girls phase is Avril Lavigne’s 2014 video for “Hello Kitty.” As with her predecessor, the singer danced with Japanese women and pranced around a kawaii set. She even had a go at an “Asian accent.” Eek.
Unfortunately, Avril Lavigne misunderstood people’s very valid criticisms of the video. The artist pointed out that she loves Japan, shot the video in Tokyo with her Japanese label, and worked with a Japanese choreographer and director. OK, Avril.
Lady Gaga’s Burqas
So far, we haven’t even touched on Islamic appropriation, but it’s also very common in the celebrity world. While abayas, burqas, and niqabs might be exotic face coverings for white celebs, they have cultural and religious significance in their origin cultures. For this reason, it’s best not to play dress-up with them.
Despite this, Lady Gaga has worn Islamic coverings several times. The artist has also dressed in a sari and sported dreadlocks. While we know Gaga loves to play, she should back off other cultures.
Lily Allen’s “Hard Out Here” Video
In Lily Allen’s 2014 song “Hard Out Here,” the English singer wanted to make a feminist version of the original song by DJay. “Hard Out Here” was supposed to be a tongue-in-cheek tune about the pressures put on women, but it ended up being accused of cultural appropriation.
In the video, Lily Allen is fully clothed against a backdrop of half-naked African American dancers. Her lyrics state that she has a brain and won’t be “talking ‘bout my chains.” Basically, she threw black women under the bus.
Justin Timberlake’s Artistic Appropriation
For some reason, ex-Disney kid Justin Timberlake has gotten away with cultural appropriation for his entire career. Inexplicably, JT used to wear his hair in cornrows along with a bandana and large diamond earrings. Wait a minute, wasn’t this guy born in Tennessee?
As well as his offensive hairstyles, Justin Timberlake has built his career off the talents of black artists and producers. His dancing style is entirely based on Michael Jackson (who was dancing with him in this image), and he never speaks out about racial issues.
Nikita Dragun’s Hairstyles
Next up is Belgium-born, half-Mexican, half-Southeast Asian Youtuber and model, Nikita Dragun. The influencer has over 12 million followers on TikTok, but has been accused of wearing appropriative hairstyles and blackfishing.
Nikita Dragun has posted pictures of herself with her hair in box braids, and in long pink twists. Plus, in the image on the left, Dragun was accused of blackfishing for a Jeffree Star photoshoot. The influencer has argued that she is part Native American, and that locs are worn by that community.
Kendall Jenner’s Cornrows
Some members of the Kardashian-Jenner clan are more likely than others to engage in cultural appropriation. Compared with her sisters, model Kendall Jenner usually stays away from protective hairstyles, but she did sport cornrows in 2019 after returning from a vacation in Jamaica.
On top of that, the model did appear in a Vogue shoot in 2018 where her hair was teased into an afro-style do. The magazine clarified that the look was inspired by Edwardian Gibson Girls, but we still think it looks wild.
Gigi Hadid’s Afros
Supermodel Gigi Hadid is half-Dutch, half-Palestinian, but that doesn’t give her the right to throw on a hijab for a photoshoot. The shoot in question was for the first-ever front cover of Vogue Arabia, but it would have been nice to showcase an Arab model.
On another occasion, Gigi posed in a bunch of afros for a photoshoot for Vogue Italia. We can’t believe anyone gave this shoot the go-ahead, or that Vogue seems so hellbent on offending communities of color.
Coldplay and Beyoncé’s “Hymn for the Weekend” Video
As you may have noticed already, it’s not just white celebs that overstep when it comes to cultural appropriation. Indeed, even icons like Beyoncé can end up disrespecting cultures other than their own.
In Beyoncé and Coldplay’s video for “Hymn for the Weekend,” the singer is wearing traditional Indian dress and mendhi (or henna) on her hands. Furthermore, the video presents India from a stereotypical, Western perspective. There are shots of the Holi festival, street children, and supposedly “exotic” women.
Zac Efron’s Dreadlocks
In 2018, High School Musical star Zac Efron posted a picture of himself with dreadlocks to his Instagram account. To make things worse, he captioned the shot with, “Just for fun.”
Of course, wearing dreadlocks “just for fun” isn’t the best idea. Considering many black folks with dreadlocks are discriminated against, it’s rather insensitive for Efron to wear the style. As with many instances of cultural appropriation, here a celebrity gets to “try out” a look, but not deal with other aspects of being a person of color.
Madonna’s Amazigh VMAs Look
When Madonna jetted off to Morocco to celebrate her birthday in 2018, she posted pictures of herself on her Instagram wearing traditional garments. Then, at the MTV Video Music Awards that same year, the singer emerged wearing the traditional clothing of the Amazigh people. What on Earth?
Madonna even captioned her Instagram shots with “Berber Queen,” referencing the North African ethnic group who wear these items. As with most things Madonna, the artist made the outfits all about herself.
Chrissy Teigen’s Native American Costume
Model and TV host Chrissy Teigen is far from innocent when it comes to cases of cultural appropriation. For a 2008 Halloween party, the half-Thai model dressed up as a Native American alongside husband John Legend, who dressed as a cowboy. We have to hope they’d know better now.
However, Chrissy Teigen was also accused of cultural appropriation for wearing face crystals that some thought resembled a bindi. The model eventually conceded that “these crystals were a mistake.”
Taylor Swift’s “Shake it Off” Video
In Taylor Swift’s 2014 music video for “Shake it Off,” the singer dresses in stereotypically African American clothing and tries to twerk with her black dancers. Many saw this as patronizing, especially because the ballerinas in Swift’s video were all white women.
Swift’s video for “Wildest Dreams” also came under fire for cultural appropriation because of its colonial overtones and whitewashing. Finally, some people from the LGBTQ community feel the singer appropriated their culture in the video for “You Need to Calm Down.”
Hilaria Baldwin’s Supposedly Spanish Accent
Despite the many extreme examples of cultural appropriation on this list, the case of Hilary Hayward-Thomas really grinds our gears. It was discovered in 2020 that Alec Baldwin’s wife, Hilary — or Hilaria — has been pretending to be Spanish for years!
Despite being born in Boston, Baldwin passed herself off as Spanish for years, even asking the English word for “cucumber” in an online video. Hilaria and her family have fronted multiple Latinx magazines, and have used Latin culture to make themselves seem a little more interesting. Shame!
Julianne Hough’s Suzanne Warren Costume
By now, everyone should know that it’s not OK to dress up as a character or person of a different race. Sure, there may be some exceptions, but the general rule is that it’s offensive. Of course, this rule doesn’t come out of nowhere — it’s because of years of racism and blackface in the US in particular.
Despite all this, actress Julianne Hough showed up to a Halloween party in 2013 wearing blackface. Hough was supposedly dressed as Suzanne from Orange Is the New Black.
Rihanna’s Insensitive Photoshoots
Singer, designer, and makeup mogul Rihanna has had several incidents when it comes to cultural appropriation. When she appeared on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar China dressed in ancient Chinese clothing, some did argue that the pop star was at least styled and photographed by Chinese creatives.
However, there was no excuse or explanation for the singer’s photoshoot in Abu Dhabi. Rihanna posed outside a mosque wearing a niqab, and was promptly kicked off the premises. Finally, Rihanna and Coldplay’s song “Princess of China” is pretty offensive.
Johnny Depp’s Native American Cosplay
Back in the 1940s, Hollywood used to hire Italians, Latinos, and white actors to play Native Americans. However, for hit TV series The Lone Ranger, Mohawk Native Jay Silverheels played iconic sidekick Tonto. Despite the character being pretty stereotypical, at least Tonto was played by a Native American.
Inexplicably, when The Lone Ranger was turned into a movie in 2013, Johnny Depp played Tonto. On top of this, the actor appeared in a racist 2019 Dior campaign that used Native imagery to sell a cologne named “Sauvage.”
Justin Bieber’s Hairstyles
Canadian pop star Justin Bieber is pretty similar to Justin Timberlake when it comes to his cultural appropriation. The artist has worked with black artists and producers throughout his career, and his music borrows from both hip-hop and R&B.
On top of this, Justin Bieber has worn his hair in both dreadlocks and cornrows over the years. Thankfully, following the tragic death of George Floyd, the Biebs made a statement admitting that he is inspired by, and has benefitted from black culture.
Kim Kardashian’s Fashion Choices
Much like her siblings, Kim Kardashian is a major culprit when it comes to cultural appropriation. The reality star has worn her hair in a variety of protective styles, and even captioned a picture of her wearing braids as “Bo Derek braids.” This was particularly infuriating, as it didn’t even give black women credit for a hairstyle they’ve worn for centuries.
Kim K. has also worn Fulani braids, an Indian maang tikka, and grills. Plus, she caused an outcry when she almost called her shapewear brand Skims, “Kimono.”
Bo Derek’s Braids
Speaking of Bo Derek, let’s not leave her out when it comes to celebrities accused of cultural appropriation. As we said, when Kim K. posted a controversial picture of herself with her hair braided, she captioned the snap, “Bo Derek braids.”
This is because the American actress wore her hair in this style in the 1979 movie, 10. Back in the 1970s, Derek got the credit for cornrows, just like the Kardashians do now. Magazines declared that Derek made the style “a cross-cultural craze.”
Scott Disick’s Sheik Costume
Kourtney Kardashian’s baby daddy Scott Disick isn’t exactly known for his subtlety. In 2014, the reality star posted a picture of himself dressed as a Sheik for a Halloween costume, and the internet did not respond with kindness.
More recently, the Kardashian Disick kids have come under fire for posting a video of themselves performing the haka — a Maori dance — on TikTok. Various people were offended by the video, especially because no one mentioned the Maori culture.
Iggy Azalea’s Blaccent
Now, here’s a big-hitter when it comes to cultural appropriation. In fact, you could argue that Iggy Azalea’s entire career is based on appropriating African American culture. The Australian rapper has been criticized many times for her “blaccent” — an imitation of black English by non-black people.
Critics argue that Azalea uses her fake accent to position herself closer to black culture. On top of this, Iggy Azalea caused offense when she dressed in traditional Indian clothing for her 2013 song, “Bounce.”
Cher’s Native American Costumes
From one big-hitter to another, next up is Cher, who is known for culturally appropriating Native American culture. While Cher is Armenian-American, she did claim to have Cherokee heritage through her mother. For this reason, songwriter Mary Dean wrote “Half-Breed” for the artist — a song about someone with a Cherokee mother and a white father.
Since then, Cher has repeatedly used Native American clothing and items as props. While the singer did initially claim Native American ancestry, she later said it was false.
Lizzo’s Rolling Stone Shoot
When “Truth Hurts” singer Lizzo graced the front page of Rolling Stone in 2020, the photoshoot ruffled some feathers. Several of the outfits Lizzo wore in the fashion spread looked like Southeast Asian garments, especially one particular headpiece that looks like a Chada.
As with other accusations like this, people took issue with traditional garments being worn as a costume. These items have their own significance in their origin cultures, and shouldn’t just be brought out for celebrity dress up.
Karlie Kloss’s Vogue Shoot
Model Karlie Kloss has also worn traditional Asian garments as a costume, despite being a white woman with Danish, German, and Polish ancestry. The model dressed as a geisha for a 2017 Vogue shoot, and faced accusations of whitewashing Asian people.
Part of the problem with cultural appreciation is that white people often “try on” or play with styles to add a bit of “spice” or “exoticism.” However, other cultures aren’t flavorings, so it’s not acceptable to just sprinkle them onto your usual wardrobe.
Barbara Eden in I Dream of Jeannie
Here’s another historical example of cultural appropriation. While genies may conjure up images of blue Robin Williams voiced characters, they actually originate from pre-Islamic Arabian and Islamic mythology. Unsurprisingly, the Western imagining of a genie is pretty offensive.
In classic sitcom I Dream of Jeannie, white, blond-haired actress Barbara Eden plays a 2000-year-old genie from the Middle East. The show is stuffed full of racial stereotypes, including the barbaric Arab man, and the belly-dancing harem girl.
Khloé Kardashian’s Every Move
Arguably, Khloé Kardashian is the worst cultural appropriation culprit in the entire Kardashian-Jenner family. The reality star has posted a selfie of herself wearing a burqa, a Native American war bonnet, and bantu knots. Seriously, is she trying to annoy everyone?
For Diana Ross’s 75th birthday party, the Good American founder donned a huge blonde afro wig that many found to be in bad taste. Plus, in general, Khloé really leans into styles that are most popular with African American women.
Addison Rae’s Jimmy Fallon Performance
Our next example of celebrity cultural appropriation occurred when TikTok star Addison Rae appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. During her appearance, Rae performed and “taught” Fallon eight viral TikTok dances. The problem? Addison didn’t make up those dances, and nobody mentioned the people that did.
Many people pointed out that Addison Rae, a white TikTok star, got the opportunity to go on TV and take the credit for choreography she didn’t create. In response to the backlash, Fallon featured the original artists on his show.
Luann de Lesseps’ Diana Ross Costume
When it comes to offensive Halloween costumes, this one really takes the cake. Viewers of The Real Housewives of New York were shocked when cast member Luann de Lesseps bounced into a Halloween party dressed as Diana Ross. We were even more shocked when only one other cast member noticed the issue.
Luann’s costume featured an absolutely ginormous afro wig, and far too much bronzer. It was no surprise when audiences interpreted the costume as blackface. Eventually, the Real Housewife apologized.
Mickey Rooney in Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Arguably, Mickey Rooney’s role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s ruins the entire movie. The actor plays Mr. Yunioshi, who is a combination of every 1950s Asian stereotype. In the 1961 film, Rooney’s character is buck-toothed, buffoonish, and unnecessarily uptight.
Throughout the movie, Rooney puts on a terrible “Asian” accent and contorts his face into strained expressions. The cultural appropriation in this movie is so bad that academic studies have said it’s one of the worst cases in the history of movies.
Vanessa Hudgens’s Native American Obsession
As we near the end of our list, we dare not forget about cultural appropriation obsessive Vanessa Hudgens. As with many other celebs on this list, Hudgens has an unhealthy obsession with all things Native American.
Could someone just tell these people to read a book about the culture instead of dressing up in it? Vanessa Hudgens has repeatedly posed in Native American items of clothing and worn a bindi, a sari, and box braids. Oh, and she loves dream catchers.
Bhad Bhabie’s Blackfishing
Finally, we close out our list of celebrity cultural appropriators with rapper Bhad Bhabie. As with Iggy Azalea, Bhabie is a white woman that has gained money and fame by using African American Vernacular English (AAVE). The personality initially became famous for saying “Catch me outside,” which turned into a viral catchphrase.
As well as using AAVE, Bhad Bhabie wears her hair in protective styles and darkens her skin. For this reason, she has understandably been accused of blackfishing.
