Rarely does a week go by that a celebrity is not accused of cultural appropriation.
With festival season in full swing, famous people are stealing cultures left and right — despite being told, over and over again, that appropriation is never "appreciation."
The latest famous person being dragged for cultural theft: Halsey. During a recent performance in New Zealand, she wore a questionable stage outfit that has all of Instagram speaking up.
When Halsey posted a picture of the outfit, many people felt her headpiece was insensitive to Muslims.
Styled by Maeve Reilly, the look included a nude bodysuit covered in crystals and a matching white headscarf, which many felt looked like a traditional niqab. In 2018 singers, stylists, and everyone in charge of an artist's image should be well-aware of the possible connotations associated with wearing a headscarf in this way.
Halsey, who is a proud multiracial woman could've easily taken a note from her own identity, by wearing a look inspired by Black culture. She's slayed many corn rows, head wraps, and hoop earrings!
"I was a big fan of [you but] as a [M]uslim this is offensive," a follower said on Instagram.
Some noted how Halsey got praised for wearing it, while women who wear a similar headscarf are ostracized.
Although the singer DID respond to the controversy on Instagram, and even apologized.
"It's meant to look like a balaclava or a ninja mask," Halsey said in response to a follower.
"Like a robber or a mortal combat character, I assure you," she said. "I'm sorry if I caused offense!"
Some even defended Halsey.
Despite her apology, others didn't buy it.
Regardless of the references, it was definitely lost in translation to her followers.
Even if those in charge of Halsey's look weren't inspired by Muslim culture, they should definitely be more in tune with the cultural dialogue in 2018. Adopting looks reminiscent of a headscarf or a Niqab solely for fashion purposes is a very risky decision.
Hopefully Halsey's future performance looks will be more thoughtful, and acknowledge her own rich culture! Maybe take a note from Beyoncé?
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