Kim Kardashian West had a busy pre-Halloween weekend, paying homage to Cher and then showing off a striking Madonna costume. But she evoked plenty of controversy on Saturday night when she tweeted herself dressed up like Aaliyah.
Baby Girl Aaliyah pic.twitter.com/5GUHkNJgNi
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) October 29, 2017
People were pissed that Kardashian West—who was accused last summer of using blackface to help promote a new beauty line—dressed up like the legendary R&B singer who died in 2001 at the age of 22.
https://twitter.com/LAGrlCrookdSmle/status/924484787699453953
Because when anyone else dresses as a diff culture than their own it's considered racist and cultural appropriation.
— Ashley L Donohue (@Ash_Baaash) October 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/Shaurenza/status/924519923963121664
You really should run these decisions by somebody first. pic.twitter.com/TwenxNR6Nm
— Brandon M. Waiters (@B_changin_lives) October 29, 2017
Please tell me Kim Kardashian did not dress as Aaliyah for Halloween… pic.twitter.com/rMFIAlN5a4
— It's so easy, but nothin' seems to please me (@SethFromThe716) October 29, 2017
Kardashian West explained on Twitter that she was honoring some of her favorite musical legends.
My Halloween theme this year is ICONS! Musical legends!!! Paying homage to some of my faves!
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) October 29, 2017
Sonny & Cher pic.twitter.com/JMLRko409q
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) October 28, 2017
MJ & Madge –#ICONS pic.twitter.com/sbz5Fk9eI6
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) October 29, 2017
Kardashian West also had her defenders.
My GOD, this is not offensive. She dressing as Aaliyah. She looks great!
— Reese (@beachydivine) October 29, 2017
She dressed up as a musical artist no black face nothing offensive. Y’all love to hate and reach for nothing stop it. It’s Halloween. pic.twitter.com/4uCnOpu65U
— Randi Nicole Ⓥ (@randibomb) October 29, 2017
She’s not trying to be Aaliyah it’s called Halloween dude and we dress up of our favorite celebrities this time a year
— Maria Marleny Harris (@LaBellaMaria122) October 29, 2017
Whether you agree it’s appropriate for Kardashian West to dress like Aaliyah, there’s one undeniable truth at play here: No matter what Kardashian West does, half the people will love her for it and the other half will hate her.
H/T People