Coldplay’s new “Hymn for the Weekend” video featuring Beyoncé that was released on Friday (Jan. 29) is catching some heat over its Indian inspiration, with some online calling the Mumbai-shot clip a work of appropriation while others defend it as an appreciation of the foreign culture.
Beyonce and Sonam Kapoor Join Coldplay in ‘Hymn For the Weekend’ Video
Detractors took aim at both Coldplay and Beyoncé alike but in different ways. While Beyoncé’s appearance dressed up as a Bollywood star initially garnered awe, a backlash followed:
Are we gonna discuss how Beyonce dressing up as an Indian woman for the Coldplay video is cultural appropriation, or no?
— Sixo, (@thesalteater) January 29, 2016
Just because it’s Beyoncé, doesn’t mean she’s right. She is being offensive and appropriating our culture. pic.twitter.com/zZ9qHOZ2gv
— Desi Girl Problems (@My_DesiGirl) January 30, 2016
When Beyoncé gets in trouble for cultural appropriation…nobody is safe. Beyoncé never gets in trouble for anything!
— RAVEN ELYSE (@RavenElyseTV) January 29, 2016
Meanwhile others supported Bey’s wardrobe choices:
I adore Beyoncé for embracing my culture. In a country where I’m a “terrorist” I have never felt more accepted. ? pic.twitter.com/4v3ribYlWd
— Above & Beyoncé (@BuzzingBey) January 29, 2016
Cultural appropriation is about power structures just as with racism. How is Beyoncé, a black woman, offensively appropriating?
— nygma (@Seauxmali) January 29, 2016
Beyoncé showed India in many ways and made it look beautiful and lovely. She portrayed India excellently. As an Indian, I loved it.
— ?????? (@ArtisticJackson) January 29, 2016
Others recalled Iggy Azalea‘s “Bounce” video, which garnered some unwanted attention over similar calls of appropriation:
I remember y’all dragging this video; when it’s the same as Beyonce’s. So what is the truth? pic.twitter.com/lp8yhX3lHH
— Affinity Magazine (@TheAffinityMag) January 29, 2016
And some pointed out this isn’t the first time Coldplay has used (or misused?) Asian culture in its videos, noting the band’s Rihanna-featuring “Princess of China” video:
Why do Coldplay have this impact pic.twitter.com/a3rjkU1LIB
— Music’s Rebellion (@MusicsRebellion) January 29, 2016
For better or worse, it is a Coldplay music video (Beyoncé didn’t even actually travel for it), so a large amount of blame was put on the British rock band. Although some did note that Chris Martin and Co. did actually fly to India and “immerse themselves” in the culture, hiring an Indian director, cast and crew for the project.
i dont even know what to say about this coldplay video except can white rock bands please stop filming holi videos in india, thank you.
— ahmed ali akbar (@radbrowndads) January 29, 2016
@coldplay don’t exoticize us. You’ve been to the clubs and everything.Why do you want to make it seem like all we do is dance in the streets
— yung biryani (@BiryaniZiall) January 29, 2016
Wanna depict #India, understand its rich & diverse culture first! Going with ago old stereotypes is not done! #HymnForTheWeekend #Coldplay
— Amena (@Fashionopolis) January 29, 2016
No thanks for the bundle of stereotypes @coldplay. No wonder then that #India will be known as the country of snake charmers & sadhus.
— Sneha Menon Desai (@MissusDesai) January 29, 2016
I love bey but that IS culture appropriation cold play immersed themselves in the culture and paid homage without putting on a “costume”.
— missodessa (@missodessa) January 29, 2016