Rapper Cardi B has launched her first-ever footwear collection, in collaboration with Reebok. Cardi has redesigned the brand's iconic Club C silhouette in the form of an all-new Club C Cardi and Cardi Coated Club C Double.
Having played a larger role in the design and curation process, Cardi was inspired by a dystopian world, taking cues from her most recent iconic fashion moments.
However, the international Pop sensation had to face the wrath of social media after one of her photos created a huge controversy. Cardi B appeared on the cover of a shoe magazine called Footwear News, dressed as Goddess Durga.
In the November issue of the magazine, Cardi is seen posing as the Goddess with 10 arms but instead of weapons, she is seen holding a shoe. This photo of the Popstar created a huge uproar.
This is how netizens reacted:
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A user wrote, "Cardi b did not pay “homage” to the Hindu goddess Durga by holding a shoe in her hand, this is plain disrespect and in no way cultural appreciation. she can’t getaway with this without addressing and apologizing for mocking our culture."
Another user wrote, "People are saying Cardi B is paying homeage to our hindu goddess Durga. So as a Hindu I want to say that: 1-Wearing a shoe in a temple is prohibited 2-Durga maa is not to be used as an aesthetic 3-Durga maa is NEVER depicted bare bodied 4-THIS. IS. NOT. HOMAGE. IT'S. DISRESPECT." "I wish you did some homework, Cardi B has NOTHING, I repeat NOTHING that will ever pay homage to Goddess Durga. I am not disrespecting her, but Hindu Goddesses have different ideologies that can NEVER be upholded by western artists like Cardi. So don't even try, please," added another user. However, Cardi B soon apologized for her mistake and came with her side of the story. She said, "When I did the shoot, the creatives told me I was going to represent a Goddess; that she represents strength, femininity, and liberation, and that’s something I love and I’m all about. And though it was dope, if people think I’m offending their culture or their religion I want to say that was not my intent. I do not like offending anyone’s religion; I wouldn’t like it if someone did it to my religion.""When people dress as Virgin Mary and Jesus, as long as they do it in a beautiful, graceful way…. But I wasn’t trying to be disrespectful; maybe I should have done my research. I’m sorry, I can’t change the past but I will do more research for the future," she added.