Gwen Stefani’s New Music Video Sparks Accusations of Cultural Appropriation

Singer Gwen Stefani has caused a stir on social media after releasing a music video from her upcoming album. In "Slow Clap," the musician appears in a high school gym alongside black backup dancers.

​Stefani wears large earrings, long nails, and lots of golden jewellery, which many netizens have deemed as cultural appropriation.

​Other users berated Stefani, who will turn 52 this year, for trying to appeal to younger audiences.

​Many users simply commented that they disliked the song. 

​However, users have defended the singer, saying there's nothing offensive about the video.

​Still, others said they really like the song.

​Accusations of cultural appropriation have hounded Stefani over the course of her career. They started when she was a member of No Doubt – and after she began her solo career with the hit "Hollaback Girl," the singer was accused of adopting the identity of African-Americans.

In the music video for the song "What You Waiting For?" the singer performed with Japanese dancers called the Harajuku girls, who were dressed in school uniforms. Stefani was accused of reinforcing stereotypes about Asian women and using the dancers as a marketing scheme as they often accompanied her during public appearances. In 2005, the media reported that the dancers were required by contract to only speak Japanese in public, despite the fact they knew English.