Adele called out for 'cultural appropriation' over African hairstyle

Adele has come under fire after sharing a photo on Instagram to mark what would have been the weekend of Notting Hill's famous carnival. The singer was accused of cultural appropriation based on the hairstyle she decided to don with her look.

In the photo, Adele is wearing a bikini top bearing the Jamaican flag, while her hair has been tied into bantu knots. "Happy what would be Notting Hill Carnival my beloved London," she wrote in the caption.

After the post went live last night, people started calling her out for ‘stealing’ a culture’s hairstyle. "No sis, we love you but don't appropriate people's culture,” wrote one user.

"Black hairstyles are not for white people to steal during festival season or ever!” virtually yelled another.

A third added, "Unfollowing tonight. Please note that I'm from London. While it may appear cute to some, showing this type of appreciation is not. Many Black and Latina ladies have been denied or fired from jobs and young children have been sent home from schools for hairstyles like these. This has happened in the UK, the US and other countries abroad. I'm not a fan."

On the contrary, some felt that it couldn’t be deemed ‘cultural appropriation’ if she just liked a hairstyle and decided to wear it. "You guys are reaching. Nothing about her wearing Bantu knots is 'cultural appropriation' maybe she just happens to love the style, ever think about that? African-Americans wear all sorts of hair from Asians to Hispanics, including blonde hair. Is it fair to say the same about you all?”

"These Protective styles may have come from African Americans but the same way you all can rock our type of hair and style... we can do the same,” they pointed out.

Sharing similar sentiments, another user added, "Adele is clearly celebrating a culture that she admires, and is in no way appropriating that culture. It's so trendy and clout chasing for most of you to call it cultural appropriation. There are more pressing issues that you could be mad about."

The event was due to take place between 30 and 31 August but was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Ladbible. It is the first time that the legendary carnival has not gone ahead in more than 50 years.