On Wednesday (Apr. 20) Snapchat released a new filter featuring reggae icon Bob Marley, which launched on the widely acknowledged marijuana smoker’s holiday — 4/20.
A spokesperson for Snapchat told Billboard in a statement that, “The lens we launched today was created in partnership with the Bob Marley Estate, and gives people a new way to share their appreciation for Bob Marley and his music. Millions of Snapchatters have enjoyed Bob Marley’s music, and we respect his life and achievements.”
However, some fans were not pleased.
Snapchat’s half-baked 420 nod is a Bob Marley blackface filter?! Dude was Jamaican! Did waaaay more than smoke weed. pic.twitter.com/t6tazxnMxT
— Brian Ries (@moneyries) April 20, 2016
As noted by BBC News, Snapchat users noticed that the Marley filter — which gives fans of all backgrounds dreadlocks and what a number of outlets characterized as “blackface” — appeared to pop up just in time for 4/20, with some referring to it as “pathetic” and “disrespectful.”
4/20, and you choose Bob Marley to be some sort of filter.
What pathetic mess is this?
The mans a legend, and you remember him for weed— ?|? (@_Speda_) April 20, 2016
Snapchat tripping with that Bob Marley filter. Very disrespectful.
— Pato (@cosmicjournee) April 20, 2016
They never had a Bob Marley filter for his birthday but there’s one for 4/20? —
— Keon JAHKNO! Predi (@KeonPredi) April 20, 2016
While the Snapchat spokesperson did not answer whether the filter was purposely launched in conjunction with 4/20, Marley fans had their suspicions.
Soooo @Snapchat capitalising on 4/20 with a blackface Bob Marley filter. Stay classy. —— #NotCool pic.twitter.com/HhmPQ6GJNi
— Asma ~ ????? (@asooma) April 20, 2016
Earlier this year, the Marley Estate delved into the legal marijuana trade with the launch of Marley Natural, a line of cannabis strains bearing the Marley imprimatur.