Kim Kardashian is known for ruffling feathers with her choice hairstyles, including her Bo Derek braids. And now the reality star was spotted at the Yeezy Season 8 presentation in Paris this week with her hair styled into waist-length cornrows.
Instagram photos of the 39-year-old’s hairdo sent social media into a frenzy.
“Stop with braids and edges and the rest of the appropriating, you’ll never be a Black woman,” one person commented. “Can you credit the actual person who did your hair,” said another.
Kardashian’s hair was styled by Ciara Costenoble, a Black hairstylist and followers weren’t shy about pointing out the fact that Kardashian failed to give Costenabonle credit in the photos she shared to Instagram.
“I hope you charged this h—- quadruple the price for not even mentioning/tagging u on her post with your hairstyle,” said a commenter.
And while it was clear that people were outraged, artists Brandy and Ray J weren’t fazed. On Thursday’s episode of The Talk, the celebrity siblings were asked if they felt Kim Kardashian was guilty of cultural appropriation. Brandy felt that was a reach and Ray J said it’s a “compliment.”
“I don’t think she’s guilty. I think it’s reaching a little bit,” said Brandy.
“I just think that, if you are paying homage to another culture by you know, rocking the braids, I think it’s a compliment,” added Ray J. “It should be looked at, it’s going global, you know.”
A clip of the segment posted to The Talk’s Instagram page sparked more conversation around cultural appropriation from followers, who wrote: “Women of color straighten their hair? So I don’t get the whole conversation.”
“Everyone has a right to choose what they wear, and no one has a right to judge or ‘stereotype’ culture,” another added.
Kardashian has yet to respond to the comments.