Cardi B has issued an apology after being accused of “disrespecting” Hindu culture in a recent photoshoot.
The ‘WAP’ rapper recently appeared on the cover of Footwear News magazine following the announcement of her new Reebok range, which is set to launch tomorrow (November 13).
In the image, Cardi is seen to be taking on the aesthetic of the Hindu goddess Durga and was said to be “paying homage” to the religious figure. However, the star has since received a significant online backlash, with many accusing her of cultural appropriation.
Cardi has now issued a video statement via social media to apologise, saying it “was not my intent” to cause any offence with the image, while promising to “do more research” in the future.
“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,” Cardi said.
“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.”
You can watch the video in the above tweets.
In a statement issued to People, Footwear News said: “Yesterday we posted content from our exclusive Cardi B cover shoot. One of the images was intended to pay homage to Hindu goddess Durga, and our intent was to show a powerful woman.
“However, we realise we were not considerate of certain cultural and religious perspectives and how this could be perceived as deeply offensive. Today, we’re releasing another cover from the shoot that was a subscriber exclusive.”
See the Footwear News cover along with various reactions below.
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