Kim Kardashian accused of cultural appropriation after sporting Indian headpiece

The maang tikka is traditionally worn by brides, with fans calling out the star for wearing cultures 'like a costume'

Kim Kardashian wore a maang tikka headpiece in a new social media post. Instagram / Kim Kardashian West

Kim Kardashian West has come under fire for wearing a traditional Indian accessory, with some fans calling the star out for "cultural appropriation".

The reality TV star sported a jewelled maang tikka headpiece on her Instagram account this weekend, telling her 133 million followers her outfit was a "Sunday Service Vibe".

Read More

Kim and Khloe Kardashian respond to Jameela Jamil's criticism of their weight loss ads

UAE Portrait of a Nation: The Indian perfumer to Kim Kardashian and the stars

Comment: Is Kylie Jenner the youngest-ever self-made billionaire, really?

The mother-of-three matched the jewellery with long earrings, stacked bangles and a white, off-shoulder dress.

In Indian culture, the maang tikka – which features a delicate adornment that touches the forehead – is traditionally worn by brides.

Kardashian West's image, which has garnered more than 1.9 million likes, divided fans in the comments, with many accusing the star of disrespecting Indian culture with her attire.

"Kim always seems to wear things many different cultures but knows nothing about those cultures," wrote one commenter. "She wears them like a costume and like she makes them a thing."

“This is cultural appropriation and it’s just not cute anymore Kimmie ... keep to your own and stop stealing others cultures and their ideas and making them your own," another posted.

“She’s done appropriating black culture, now she’s moved onto south Asian," one comment read.

Kardashian West, 38, has not yet responded to the controversy, and the photo remains live on her Instagram account.

Kim Kardashian wore cornrows to the 2018 MTV Movie and TV Awards. EPA

It's not the first time the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star has received backlash for her style choices.

Kardashian West was criticised for wearing Fulani braids in a Snapchat video, and referring to the style as "Bo Derek" braids, referencing the '70s film 10. The media mogul also wore the same hairstyle to the MTV Movie and TV Awards last year, later telling Bustle she embraced the look by request of her daughter, North.

"I [do] remember the backlash when I had the blonde hair and that I called them 'Bo Derek braids'," she said.

"But I obviously know they're called Fulani braids and I know the origin of where they came from and I'm totally respectful of that. I'm not tone deaf to where I don't get it. I do get it."