Pharrell Backlash Over Native American Headdress Leaves Fans #NotHappy
Pharrell received backlash Wednesday over the Native American headdress he wore on the July cover of Elle U.K., which disappointed and upset many of his fans. The "Happy" singer and producer's headwear caused them to create the Twitter hashtag #nothappy as a response, which prompted his apology.
"I respect and honor every kind of race, background and culture. I am genuinely sorry," Pharrell Williams said through a representative to The New York Daily News.
The controversy began when Williams, 41, appeared on the cover of Elle magazine with a large Native American headdress complete with feathers, stitching and beads. The magazine promoted the photo shoot through their Twitter feed.
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"We persuaded ELLE Style Award winner Pharrell to trade his Vivienne Westwood mountie hat for a native American feather headdress in his best ever shoot," the Elle UK posted.
Even though Williams has previously stated that he has some Native American ancestry running in his veins, fans and critics alike were upset at the cultural appropriation. Many of them expressed their views with the hashtag #nothappy.
"Hope @pharrell is #happy with his ignorance because Natives are #nothappy seeing those who earned their feathers being disrespected," Johnnie Jae wrote.
"I'm a big fan, and I'm a Cherokee citizen. Disappointed to see you in a headdress on the @ELLEmagazine cover #nothappy," Talia E. Myres agreed.
Others pointed out that the feathered headdress is sacred to Native Americans, which is why it shouldn't be used as just another outfit or fashion symbol.
"Why does the fashion industry insist on turning sacred cultural items into fashion props?" another user said.
