Pharrell issues apology after headdress photo spurs backlash
The line that Pharrell Williams crossed in a recent photo shoot may not have been so blurred, as a wave of angry fans sent Twitter messages that took issue with the pop star’s decision to wear an American Indian headdress on a magazine cover.
Just hours after pictures of the Elle UK cover (due on newsstands Thursday) began circulating, Pharrell issued an apology, according to the New York Daily News.
“I respect and honor every kind of race, background and culture,†Pharrell told the newspaper, through a representative. “I am genuinely sorry.â€
The magazine published the July 2014 collector’s edition cover early Wednesday, gushing over the appearance of the “Happy†and “Get Lucky†singer, who also helped co-write Robin Thicke’s summer anthem “Blurred Lines.â€
“What can we say? He’s never looked so good,†read a blurb on the magazine’s website.
The photo, shot by Doug Inglish, prompted heavy social media backlash, with Twitter users employing the hashtag #nothappy to open fire on Williams.
“#nothappy @Pharrell A little education goes a long way! A headdress is traditionally for a chief not a #chump,†read one tweet.
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