ADELE posted a snap on Instagram to celebrate what would have been Notting Hill Carnival, had the world not been in the midst of a pandemic.
It has since been the subject of fierce debate on cultural appropriation, with people both defending and criticising the singer.
Why is Adele's hair causing controversy?
In Adele's photo, she's styled her hair in Bantu knots, which are a traditional and cultural way to wear hair within black communities.
Some have criticised Adele as being tone deaf – particularly within the current mainstream conversations happening about racism – and culturally appropriating.
However, many black people, including some in the public eye, have jumped to her defense by claiming that Notting Hill Carnival is about celebrating Jamaican culture and all she's done has kept within its spirit.
The disagreement is in whether or not this is an example of cultural appropriation.
Cultural appropriation is: "The unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people or society," as told by the Oxford English Dictionary.
This is why it's problematic for Adele as a white woman to wear the style, though many have said her London roots and upbringing in a diverse area make this not the case.
What are Bantu knots?
Bantu knots are created by taking sections of hair and twisting them to form a knot.
Naturally Curly, a site focused on textured hair, explains that Bantu knots have been around for over 100 years.
They say the hairstyle is protective for those with Afro-textured hair (as it's typically weaker and can be prone to breakage) and it's worn as a "no-heat stretched out style".
Bantu as a word has plenty of history behind it, as it's used to describe hundreds of Bantu-speaking ethnic groups.
When non-black people use the style as a fashion trend, the problem can be that the black heritage of the style is lost and that white people take credit for creating the style.
What have people said?
The reactions have been mixed, though within the first 15 minutes of the photo appearing online fans were urging Adele to delete it before the debate escalates, as it has now done so.
Many echo the sentiments of MP David Lammy, by saying what Adele has done by dressing up is just part of the norm at Notting Hill Carnival.
One person Tweeted: "how are non-Jamaicans getting mad at Adele when Jamaicans aren't even mad themselves".
Many comments have appeared like this, though some have replied to disagree, with one user saying "speak for yourself".
Meanwhile others have straight up called this cultural appropriation and felt let down by the star who has been vocal during Black Lives Matter protests.
Naomi Campbell commented on the star's picture with heart emojis and flags showing her support, as did many other celebrities.
Adele has yet to respond to the criticism.
The conversation online and in media hasn't yet slowed down.
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