English pop singer Ellie Goulding has responded to criticism from fans and supporters regarding a Native American costume she wore for Halloween and showed off on social media.
Goulding’s costume quickly drew many negative and sometimes harsh comments from followers on Twitter and Instagram. “I’m so disappointed,” one fan commented. “No different than wearing blackface.” One fan was harsher and more blunt in their objection to Ellie’s costume, saying, “Next time don’t mock a dying race you insensitive and ignorant excuse of a person.”
Goulding responded promptly to the backlash, posting on Twitter that she “wore that beautiful unauthentic headpiece for about 5 minutes. I havnt [sic] worn my costume for Halloween yet.”
Ellie, who is set to perform for the annual Royal Variety Performance in England this coming week for the likes of Prince William and Kate Middleton, fortunately didn’t get such harsh critiques from everyone. According to MailOnline , conservative parliament member Philip Davies came to Goulding’s defense following the scandal, saying that the singer should “stick to her guns” and that the people who shamed her for the choice of costume were “idiots.”
“‘I never cease to be amazed at how easily people will take offence – and usually this is white, middle-class, Guardian-reading, sandal-wearing, politically correct do-gooders who are offended on someone else’s behalf,” Davies said. “The people concerned are never usually offended themselves.”
Also defending Ellie Goulding was Crystal Speer, a representative for the Native American Heritage Association. While the organization itself didn’t comment on Goulding’s costume or the backlash it caused, Speer did offer her personal opinion on the matter. “‘I do think [the reaction] is a bit much,” Crystal said. “People these days will jump at anything to get offended at.”
“I can see both sides but unless you’re Native American yourself I don’t think it’s right for you to say whether it’s offensive or not.”, said Speer of those who’ve chastised Goulding over the outfit. The incident comes only weeks after an announcement that Glastonbury will cease the sale of headdresses at future festivals. The announcement is in response to a petition that called for removal of the items from the festival’s vendors and outlets.
MailOnline says that Ellie has committed to supporting and donating to the Running Strong campaign. The organization gives grants to young Native American students.
Ellie Goulding isn’t the only one to land in hot water over wearing a Native American headdress. Pharrell Williams apologized earlier this year for wearing a headddress on the cover of Elle Magazine .
[Image via Google]