Gwen Stefani Faces Backlash For Cultural Appropriation in “Light My Fire” Video

Pop singer Gwen Stefani is facing criticism for “appriopriating” black culture in her latest music video for her song “Light My Fire”. The song sees Stefani collaborating with dancehall hitmaker Sean Paul and Jamaican singer Shenseea.

In the video, the former “The Voice” coach rocked dreadlocks and a green and yellow outfit that matches the Jamaican flag while singing to a rocksteady beat. Needless to say, some fans weren’t thrilled by it.

Fans Criticize Gwen Stefani For Wearing Dreadlocks in Latest Video

This isn’t the first time that white stars are facing backlash for incorporating “black culture” into an element of their craft. These artists include Justin Bieber, former “Little Mix” member Jesy Nelson and now, Gwen Stefani.

Following the video’s premiere on Wednesday, the star faced lots of criticisms from fans, with many accusing her of intentionally using black culture to profit herself.

“Gwen Stefani is BACK with a cultural appropriation banger,” one Twitter user wrote.

Another agreed, writing: “Y’all. Mother Appropriation is BACK!!!! Where my 2000s No Doubt/Gwen hive at!!!?? ITS TIME!!!”

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Other Times Gwen Stefani Received Criticisms For “Cultural Appropriation”

The former “No Doubt” lead singer is no stranger when it comes to being accused of using other cultures to support her artistry.

There was a time she incorporated Japanese street style into her videos, wearing a bindi in music videos, and styling her hair in Bantu knots.
In 2006, Stefani also faced criticism for going around with a troupe of Japanese and Japanese-American dancers – branded Stefani’s Harajuku Girls, which comedian Margaret Cho called a “minstrel show”.

Last year, during an interview with Paper magazine, she addressed what some people called “cultural appropriation”, but which she said was simply paying homage.

“If we didn’t buy and sell and trade our cultures in, we wouldn’t have so much beauty, you know?” she said at the time. “We learn from each other, we share from each other, we grow from each other. And all these rules are just dividing us more and more.”

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with Gwen Stefani right now. Come back here often for all Gwen Stefani spoilers, news, and updates.

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