X Factor: Honey G accused of 'offensive' cultural appropriation by angry viewers

The Guardian's opinion piece on the 'North Weezy' rapper sparked a flood of comments

Honey G gets the good news from Sharon Osbourne that she is through to The X Factor finals (Syco/Thames/Dymond)

This year’s X Factor novelty act Honey G has been accused of “offensive” cultural appropriation by some viewers.

The ‘North Weezy’ rapper made it through to the live shows in Sharon Osbourne’s Over 25s group to much controversy and fans have either loved her or hated her (sorry for the Marmite reference at this troubling time).

Much of the criticism has surrounded her taking the place of ‘talented’ singers in the competition but a recent opinion piece in the Guardian went further, suggesting that she is an example of “modern-day blackface”.

Lola Okolosie’s article sparked hundreds of comments after she drew attention to the “appropriation of black cultural production” in Honey G’s performances and argued that there should be more discussion around her “caricature of blackness as stupid and illicit”, whether intended or otherwise.

“Honey G is a symbol of how race operates in the UK,” Okalosie wrote, explaining that the viewing public seem to be “enjoying playing a role in demeaning black culture” and that no, Tupac would not “be happy” as judge Louis Walsh embarrassingly said.

Many X Factor fans have agreed with Okalosie on social media, branding her piece “spot on”, but Honey G has defended herself, telling The Sun that she finds it “quite insulting” that she is considered a novelty act.

“Maybe people have a problem with a white woman rapping,” she said. “I’m a heavyweight producer, I’m not a bedroom producer. I’m the finished article and I’m no different to the likes of Pharrell or Jay-Z.”

Surprisingly, rapper Snoop Dogg has reportedly promised to duet with Honey G, real name Anna Georgette Gilford, should she reach the final.

The X Factor airs at 8pm on Saturdays on ITV