Rihanna has been accused of cultural appropriation by some people on the internet after she posted a topless picture of herself on Instagram while wearing a necklace of Lord Ganesha. The star shared the photo in question overnight, dressed in a pair of purple boxers from her Savage x Fenty brand and various items of jewellery.
"when @popcaanmusic said 'me nuh wan ya wear no lingerie tonight fa me girl' @savagexfenty" Rihanna captioned the pic.
Some fans took the comments section to praise Rihanna's look:
"The boxers come with the body?" wrote Issa Rae.
"Bad Gal in full effect!!!" added Hayden Williams.
"Are u KIDDDDIIIIIINNNNGGGG đ" said stand up comic, Carly Aquilino.
Everyone's clicking on...
Meanwhile, others were quick to call Rihanna out for what they believe to be cultural appropriation.
While the boxers are, of course, a major part of the look, Ri is also draped in matching amethyst-toned jewellery - including statement earrings, layered necklaces, bracelets and a ring. But her pendant, featuring Lord Ganesha, has received criticism on social media with some accusing Rihanna's photo of being disrespectful:
"rihanna !! stop using my religion as an aesthetic !! that ganesh figurine at the end of the chain :( is a holy and sacred figure for us hindus"
"Rihanna wearing Ganesha necklace in that pic donât sit right with me"
"Well surely he never said that and any religion or human can worship ganesha but for someone who doesnât understand the religious sentiments of wearing a ganesha necklace, @rihanna wearing it is cultural appropriation!"
"But.. What's the point in using a Ganesha necklace in such a photo?And that too by someone who is not even a Hindu!! I don't object if she uses it, it's her choice... But still I can't understand the logic behind using it"
"can y'all please stop using our culture and religion as aesthetics I'm tired of this shit"
"i read appreciate and love you, but the necklace you wearing is totally not okay, stop using our religion and culture for your aesthetics, its very sad and disappointing."
Rihanna is yet to respond to the reaction.
We have reached out to Rihanna's representatives for comment.
Follow Natasha on Instagram.
The latest issue of Cosmopolitan UK is out now and you can SUBSCRIBE HERE.
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
Natasha Harding is the former Fashion Editor (Digital & Print) at Cosmopolitan & Women's Health UK. Working in fashion journalism for just under ten years, sheâs covered over 30 international fashion weeks, hundreds of red carpets and religiously scours the runway every season to create the brandâs bi-annual trend report. Joining Cosmopolitan back in Australia, Natasha moved to London a few years ago and is now the resident expert for celebrity style and industry news, fashion features and e-commerce. Follow Natasha on Instagram
