As the anticipation for the release of her new Reebok sneaker line builds, Cardi B is apologizing after posing in an offensive magazine ad.
People Magazine reports the “WAP” rapper was accused of cultural appropriation when the cover of Footwear News showed her posing as the Hindu deity Durga while showing off a shoe from the new sneaker line.
She has since apologized for the gaffe and even admitted that she should have done her research prior to the photoshoot.
“When I did the Reebok shoot, the creatives told me I was going to represent a Goddess; that she represents strength, femininity and liberation, and that’s something I love, and I’m all about,” the rapper said on her Instagram story, according to People Magazine.
“And though it was dope, if people think I’m offending their culture or their religion, I want to say I’m sorry. That was not my intent. I do not like disrespecting nobody’s religion. I wouldn’t like people to offend my religion,” she continued. “I wasn’t trying to be disrespectful; maybe I should have done my research. I’m sorry, I can’t change the past, but I will do more research for the future.”
Despite her apology, people took to Twitter to air out their grievances against the Grammy-winning artist.
Twitter user Vivek Pant warned the public to not test Hindus.
If Hindus are tolerant….don't test their patience…. Try for other religions…. even presidents of nation are not spared
— Vivek Pant (@VivekPant71) November 12, 2020
One Twitter user argued that the community was silent on Cardi’s appropriation of the deity yet flamed another entertainer for the same thing.
Sebastian Stan was cancelled in 2 hours because his girlfriend was exposed for cultural appropriation 2 years ago before they had met and he didnt speak up about it but Cardi B is here disrespecting Hindus and yall shut up and pretend that its nothing… MAKE THAT MAKE SENSE!!
— Ahava needs maria/ blackhill moots (@spideyarvinr) November 11, 2020
Another user wrote she was exhausted from everybody’s appropriation of her faith and accused people of being “fake woke.”
if you think that new cardi b photoshoot with the "homage" is not offensive please sb me i'm literally so tired of people constantly turning a blind eye whenever south asians speak about cultural appropriation… you're all so fake woke sometimes….
— ridz (@sixthirtydaya) November 11, 2020
Twitter user SK called the photo “disgusting.”
Cardi B using my religion as a way to promote something and trying to cover it up as a “homage” is disgusting. What she is doing is cultural appropriation and there is no one that can tell me otherwise. The fact that Cardi thinks that she compares to or even has any remote
— SK⚡️ (@raptalkSK) November 11, 2020
Another user added that the idea should have been scrapped, mostly if Cardi hadn’t done any research.
i mean, artistic liberty when it comes from drawing inspiration from religions is a bit iffy because of you aren't willing to research completely into the history first, and comprehend why you'd possibly offend someone with whatever you're doing, then i don't think artists-
— ਆਨੀਆ (@WLWAYNES) November 11, 2020
Ironically, in the photo, Cardi B's image is edited to show 10 arms while holding a shoe, but footwear, which is considered to be impure, is strictly prohibited in Hindu temples, according to Riti Riwaz, a site dedicated to Indian culture.
Cardi B’s shoe collaboration with Reebok drops on Nov. 13.
