When Rapper Cardi B set out to promote her debut sneaker collection with Reebok, little did she know that she would end up being embroiled in controversy.
It all started after pictures of the 28-year-old rapper posing as Hindu Goddess ‘Durga’, in a bid to promote her her Reebook collaboration, went viral.
The post mentions that it a homage to Goddess Durga. “In a Georges Hobeika dress, she pays homage to Durga, the Hindu goddess, whose symbols of protection and inner strength resonate as much in modern times as they have through the centuries.
Like Durga, Cardi B is a dominant female voice at a critical time.”
“People are saying Cardi B is paying homage 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,” wrote a Twitter user.
After some time Cardi B took to Instagram to apologise for offending people’s religious sentiments. She said, “Sorry guys, I didn’t mean to offend or disrespect anyone’s culture. I can’t change the past but I will be more cautious for the future. When I did the Reebok shoot, the creator told me that I will be representing a Goddess that stands for strength, femininity, liberation and that’s something I love and I am all about it. I did not intend to hurt anyone’s religious sentiments.”
The Grammy awardee, together with Reebok, will launch her sneaker line, Club C Cardi, on Friday, November 13. “NOVEMBER 13th all Blacks is dropping,” The 28-year-old rapper captioned her announcement post, which shows her holding up a black platform sneaker.
On Sunday night, Cardi teased her sneaker line with an Instagram video of a pair being delivered to her home in a lip-shaped box.
The sneaker launch will mark the latest Cardi B collaboration with Reebok, following lines of sweatshirts, fleece hoodies, and face covers. Cardi has partnered with other clothing brands, including Fashion Nova, Steve Madden and Balenciaga.
