Sydney Sweeney isn’t the only celeb to star in a denim ad! Beyoncé’s partnership with Levi’s just dropped this week, featuring the singer in head-to-toe denim with a blonde wig that’s quite reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe’s signature style. Most of the internet’s reaction has been positive, but others, like Piers Morgan, are accusing the star of “cultural appropriation.” Keep reading for more information.
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Is Beyoncé's Denim Ad With Levi's 'Cultural Appropriation'?
The ad in question shows Beyoncé in a number of different poses in her Levi's: a pair of high-waisted straight-leg jeans and a cropped jean jacket (in various stages of being buttoned). While no one had any complaints about how good Beyoncé looks in her jeans, some people had a problem with the way she styled her hair.
Wearing a blonde wig cut at the shoulders with lots of volume, the style looked quite like Marilyn Monroe's iconic blonde locks from back in the day. Plus, she had the winged eyeliner and red lipstick look that Marilyn often sported. Levi's nor Beyoncé made any mention of a homage to Monroe or even inspiration from her look, simply captioning their Instagram post, "BEYONCÉ X LEVI'S. Iconic denim, reimagined."
Whether or not the Marilyn-esque look was intentional or not, some individuals, including Piers Morgan, had a problem with the ad. "Very disappointed to see Beyoncé culturally appropriate Marilyn Monroe in her new Levi’s ad," he wrote in a tweet.
Social Media Reactions
Was it cultural appropriation? Many social media users debated it in the comment section. "Since when was Marilyn Monroe her own culture?" one person asked. Another pointed out, "Marilyn Monroe was Latino. There are also people of color that are born with blonde hair. Please stop your hatred."
"Culturally appropriate?" another asked. "Killin' me. Marilyn was, is someone many women of different culture admire. Leave Beyoncé alone already. Just plain old envy."
Others slammed Piers Morgan for even bringing up cultural appropriation at all. "Desperately trying to stay relevant," one person wrote of the English broadcaster.
"Cultural appropriation is the adoption or use of elements of a minority culture by members of the dominant culture, often in a way that is disrespectful, insensitive, or exploitative," another person pointed out. "@PiersMorganUncensored stop the cap."
