- Kim Kardashian West dressed as the singer Aaliyah Haughton for Halloween.
- She posted a video of her costume to Twitter with the caption, "Baby Girl Aaliyah."
- Some people are accusing Kim of cultural appropriation for dressing as a black woman.
- Others think it's offensive because of Aaliyah's untimely death.
- It seems that Kim didn't intend to offend, as she said the aim of her costumes was "paying homage" to famous musicians.
Over the weekend, Kim Kardashian West dressed up as the late singer Aaliyah Haughton in the lead-up to Halloween.
Now, some people are claiming that her Halloween costume is "offensive" and even borders on cultural appropriation. Criticism over Kim's look started to roll in on Saturday after the reality TV star posted a video of her costume on Twitter.
Baby Girl Aaliyah pic.twitter.com/5GUHkNJgNi
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) October 29, 2017Her getup consisted of a jewel-emblazoned bra, a thick choker necklace, and bejeweled leather pants. She also wore lots of metallic eyeshadow.
Kim's costume almost instantly sparked an intense debate on Twitter, as some people saw it as cultural appropriation.
Legend or not Aaliyah is a black woman and you’re not. It’s offensive and you shouldn’t push this limit, but ok... 🙄
— Blogger Cassie (@LAGrlCrookdSmle) October 29, 2017
It’s really just a no 😭😭 outta of all the women you could’ve picked 🤔🤔 🙄Right. pic.twitter.com/zUPFlpBL9B
— Pra Thilivhali🇬🇭 (@Armyofskankzs) October 29, 2017Others argued that it was problematic because of Aaliyah's untimely death. In 2001, the 22-year-old singer tragically passed away in a plane crash.
It's offensive because babygirl is DEAD & you can't pay hommage when you're an Armenian just using her look as a costume. That's the issue.
— Shaurenza Jiménez (@Shaurenza) October 29, 2017Meanwhile, some people claimed that the costume was fine, as Kim didn't wear blackface.
Kim Kardashian went as Aaliyah and y’all are about to drag her for no reason. Did she do blackface? No. Y’all find anything to b mad abt😕
— farri p. (@farrip_) 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
— randibomb.com Ⓥ (@randibomb) October 29, 2017At the time this story was published, Kim has not commented on the controversy. However, it seems that she didn't intend to be offensive.
Just before posting the video of her Aaliyah costume, Kim tweeted that she wanted to honor iconic musicians this Halloween.
My Halloween theme this year is ICONS! Musical legends!!! Paying homage to some of my faves!
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) October 29, 2017Before she debuted her Aaliyah costume, Kim dressed up as Cher. Fans loved the costume, which she revealed early Saturday morning.
Sonny & Cher #HalloWKKWeenpic.twitter.com/nXStzZnrTs
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) October 28, 2017Her Madonna and Michael Jackson costume with her sister Kourtney was also received well.
Michael Jackson & Madonna pic.twitter.com/RTxA90XfBC
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) October 29, 2017INSIDER has contacted representatives for Kim Kardashian West for comment.