By Lucia Binding, news reporter

Rihanna is the latest celebrity to be accused of cultural appropriation after appearing on the August 2019 cover of Harper's Bazaar China.

The 31-year-old shared a first look of her photo shoot for the publication on Instagram, wearing a blue gown with billowing sleeves and holding a Chinese fan.

Her hairstyle and jewellery were also reminiscent of traditional Chinese styles, while the centre of her lips were painted in red.

Harper's Bazaar China also shared images of the magazine shoot on its own Instagram account, describing Rihanna's look as when "western style icon meets eastern aesthetic".

But the images were criticised by social media users, with many accusing the publication and the Umbrella singer of cultural appropriation.

Advertisement

One user commented on Instagram: "I am asian and I find it offensive. I know Rhiana and the creators of this photo doesn't give a s*** about my opinion, which only proves that the disrespect they have to our culture. If you wanted to create an asian look why didn't you invite asian artists?"

Another said: "Not appropriate and racist. She has no idea what she's wearing."

More from Ents & Arts

Others defended the magazine's styling, with one user writing: "This is cultural appreciation, not appropriation. If she were claiming to be Chinese or she invented the style, appropriation fits."

:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify,Spreaker

Another posted: "Does nobody realize this is a CHINESE magazine? It's literally an Asian magazine using a model.

"Asian magazine compRead More – Source

[contf] [contfnew]

Sky News

[contfnewc] [contfnewc]