Justin Bieber under fire for cultural appropriation as he debuts dreadlocks on Instagram
‘I know you can do better,’ wrote one disappointed fan
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Justin Bieber has faced accusations of cultural appropriation after wearing his hair in dreadlocks.
The singer attracted criticism when he shared a photo to Instagram on Monday (26 April) in which he wore the traditionally Black hairstyle.
Fans were quick to voice their disappointment in the singer’s choice of hairstyle, which many have said is appropriation of Black culture.
“J, please educate yourself on cultural appropriation… You shouldn’t be wearing dreads… With love,” wrote one person.
Another added: “This is cultural appropriation… I know you can do better,” while a third user commented: “Can you not?”
“JUSTIN PLS STOP,” wrote someone else. Another person wrote: “It’s really disappointing to see you with dreads, I thought you educated yourself.”
“Didn’t you say you were educating yourself about black culture so what is this foolery,” said one user.
In June last year, the Grammy Award-winner took to social media in a promise to “be part of the much needed change” amid racial injustice.
“I am inspired by Black culture,” he wrote. “I have benefited off of Black culture.
“My style, how I sing, dance, perform, and my fashion have all been influenced and inspired by Black culture,” Bieber continued.
“I am committed to using my platform this day forward to learn, to speak up about racial injustice and systemic oppression, and to identify ways to be a part of much needed change.”
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The 27-year-old was previously heavily criticised the last time he had the hairstyle in 2016.
Other fans, however, have defended Bieber. “Omg let him do his hair whatever he wants with his hair,” wrote one person.
Another user added: “This is just a hairstyle chill.” While someone else said: “Everybody acting like they’ve never seen a white man with dreads before. It’s 2021 and we’re this bent over hair? Relax.”
Bieber recently released his sixth studio album Changes. You can read The Independent’s four-star review of the record here.
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