Justin Bieber under fire for cultural appropriation as he debuts dreadlocks on Instagram
‘I know you can do better,’ wrote one disappointed fan
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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.”
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.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments