Adele is being accused of cultural appropriation for the bikini, hairstyle, and headdress she wore in an Instagram post acknowledging the Notting Hill Carnival.
The photo shows the Grammy-award winning singer wearing Bantu knots and a Jamaican flag bikini, as well as acid-wash leggings and a yellow feathered headdress. Bantu knots are said to have originated centuries ago with tribes in southern Africa and are rooted in Black culture.
"Happy what would be Notting Hill Carnival my beloved London," the 32-year-old singer wrote in the caption, referring to the cancelled festivities.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Notting Hill Carnival, which celebrates Caribbean culture and traditions in London, was entirely virtual this year.
The post has gained a lot of attention, garnering over 4 million likes, hundreds of memes, and very mixed reactions. But many just can't see past her uncanny resemblance to singer Katy Perry.
Adele has yet to comment on the controversy.