Blasted by many for donning a 'turban' in an Instagram post, the former 'Cruel Intentions' actress reminds others that 'a head wrap can be useful and beautiful in all cultures.'
- May 31, 2019
AceShowbiz - Selma Blair has hit back at online trolls who accused her of cultural appropriation after she shared a picture of herself donning a head wrap.
The "Cruel Intentions" star, who suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS), took to Instagram on Wednesday, May 29 to share the snap, in which she and filmmaker Rachel Fleit were both wearing the headpieces.
Explaining the look in the caption of the post, she wrote: "We have one answer to your bad hair days or NO hair days... wraps! (oh, it's been around for thousands of years...)."
While the 46-year-old first opened up about the challenges of the illness last October (2018), which includes hair loss, several users rushed to the comments of the post to criticise the star, many of whom claimed she was guilty of cultural appropriation for putting on a "turban."
"Has she not seen all the backlash with 'cultural appropriation'? I mean...," one comment read, while another user wrote, "I know you mean no harm, but this is serious cultural appropriation. I'd be happy to have a private conversation about how this is hurtful to Sikhs if you're open to it."
A third critic posted: "I have alopecia and would love to wear a turban.. they are so beautiful but I've been told that since I'm white and non-religious it would be culturally inappropriate :(."
Addressing the negative response, the actress responded to a number of fan comments, explaining that head wraps aren't specific to any culture or religion.
"This is not a Sikh turban or imitating one. And funnily enough, Sikhs absorb negativity, diffuse it. Tolerance," she commented in response to one social media user's feedback. "So none of these comments hurt. They may be not knowing what they write."
The star added: "A head wrap can be useful and beautiful in all cultures. Love, especially ones who need it."
In response to another person's accusation of cultural appropriation, she wrote: "Scarves have been worn by all colours for ages. Relax."
She continued: "What do you want a woman with no hair to wear? Just an itchy wig? Why not tie your own scarf and bejewel it. I think it's a pretty alternative. And if it also represents other cultures to many... and is not hateful...."
