Katy Perry is out and about promoting her latest album, with a new edgy hairdo and a sound to match.
With songs like 'Chained to the Rhythm', 'Bon Appetit' and 'Swish Swish' (rumoured to be about her pop nemesis Taylor Swift), the 34-year-old popstar has been performing live at the Met Gala and the Grammys.
Most recently, Perry took her latest hit 'Bon Appetit' to Saturday Night Live.
Her performance of the song, which features the rap group Migos, has garnered a lot of attention pertaining to her questionable dancing skills.
However, while some saw simply an instance of straightforward mum dancing, others pointed out possible racial elements, suggesting she was somehow imitating blackness in her dance moves and attitude.
Some people went as far as to claim this was part of a larger instance of cultural appropriation from Perry.
What to Read Next
This isn't the first time accusations of cultural appropriation have been slung at Perry. She has come under scrutiny for opening the American Music Awards in full Geisha regalia, and Amandla Stenberg famously called out Perry for her kiss-curls, watermelon and more from a music video.
Miley Cyrus came in for similar criticism after she popularised 'twerking' in her live performances and music videos for 'We Can't Stop' and subsequent singles, as well as using black culture, in particular black women, as 'props'.
News outlets such as the Huffington Post have written lengthy articles dissecting the star's foray into 'black culture', stating:
"Is there anything more simultaneously sad, embarrassing, offensive and deeply fascinating than the image of Katy Perry attempting to milly rock? No. No, there isn't."
Katy's strong and loyal fanbase are quick to point out Perry's sweet nature and undeniable political input. Perry was very active in supporting Hillary Clinton in her fight against Donald Trump for presidency.
Likewise, Perry spoke out after her earlier controversy to Rolling Stone magazine, insisting that she is appreciating culture, not appropriating it.
She told them: "I guess I'll just stick to baseball and hot dogs, and that's it... I know that's a quote that's gonna come to f**k me in the ass, but can't you appreciate a culture? I guess, like, everybody has to stay in their lane? I don't know."
Perry does most certainly play with her style – she has gone full country girl and even dressed like a flame – but where is the line when it comes to cultural inspiration and creative dressing?
Want up-to-the-minute entertainment news and features? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @digitalspy Twitter account and you're all set.
Daisy Murray is the Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, spotlighting emerging designers, sustainable shopping, and celebrity style. Since joining in 2016 as an editorial intern, Daisy has run the gamut of fashion journalism - interviewing Molly Goddard backstage at London Fashion Week, investigating the power of androgynous dressing and celebrating the joys of vintage shopping.
