JEDDAH: Vogue Arabia is facing fresh backlash on social media over its latest cover.
The magazine has yet again been accused of cultural appropriation as it released its November cover featuring Barbadian singer Rihanna dressed as Egypt’s Queen Nefertiti, with some claiming that Vogue Arabia perpetuated the notion that black and African people are interchangeable.
“Um cultural appropriation by someone from Barbados ... aren’t White people mostly accused of doing this ... nice to see someone else doing it,” wrote @ChefSJ
Another user, Marie Rocha (@MyDailyPosts) tweeted: “I love Rihanna, but I’ve met some stunning Egyptians that could have paid homage to Queen Nefertiti.”
Queen Nefertiti was one of the most powerful women in ancient Egypt almost 3,500 years ago. She was renowned for her beauty and is believed to have brought radical change to Egypt along with her husband Pharaoh Akhenaten.
“We are dedicating the issue to strong and dynamic women who are changing the world,” Vogue Arabia Editor-in-Chief Manuel Arnaut wrote in the editor’s letter. “Rihanna, our cover star, is one of them. Not only is she one of the most successful pop icons ever, shaping the entertainment industry with her powerful tunes and unique sense of style, she is also an advocate for diversity.”
The star appears on the cover wearing Gucci paired with a custom Faeth Millinery-designed headpiece in a stylish homage to Queen Nefertiti.
The pop star has an adoration for the Egyptian queen, and has her iconic bust tattooed on her ribcage.
So far, neither Vogue Arabia nor Rihanna has responded to the controversy.
Earlier, Gigi and Bella Hadid saw similar backlash for posing for Vogue Arabia.
Rihanna as Egypt’s Queen Nefertiti? Vogue Arabia thinks so
Rihanna as Egypt’s Queen Nefertiti? Vogue Arabia thinks so
WWII leader Churchill to be removed from UK banknotes
- The next series of banknotes due to be issued by the Bank of England will feature animals native to the UK
- The bank will gather views later this year about the specific wildlife the public would like to feature on the next set of banknotes
LONDON: World War II leader Winston Churchill is to be dropped from the UK £5 banknote in favor of a nature scene, sparking outrage from some lawmakers who said he should not be replaced by an otter or badger.
Novelist Jane Austen, artist J. M. W. Turner and mathematician and codebreaker Alan Turing, are also due to be phased out on the £10, £20 and £50 banknotes respectively as part of a redesign.
The next series of banknotes due to be issued by the Bank of England will feature animals native to the UK, in a shift away from images of prominent Britons.
Possibilities, subject to a public consultation, include badgers and otters as well as frogs, hedgehogs, barn owls and newts. Plants and landscapes will complete the scenes depicted.
“For more than 50 years, the bank has proudly showcased many inspirational historical figures who have helped shape national thought, innovation, leadership and values on its banknotes,” the bank said.
“The change to wildlife imagery ... provides an opportunity to celebrate another important aspect of the UK,” it added.
The bank will gather views later this year about the specific wildlife the public would like to feature on the next set of banknotes.
Bank of England chief cashier Victoria Cleland said the key driver for a new series of banknotes was how to stay ahead of counterfeiters.
“Nature is a great choice from a banknote authentication perspective and means we can showcase the UK’s rich and varied wildlife on the next series of banknotes,” she added.
- ‘Shaped this nation’ -
The new banknotes will not appear for several years.
They will continue to feature a portrait of the monarch King Charles III on the other side. Banknotes with the late Queen Elizabeth II also remain in circulation.
Previous banknotes have pictured other national figures including novelist Charles Dickens, physicist and chemist Michael Faraday, composer Edward Elgar, nurse Florence Nightingale and architect Christopher Wren.
The most recent series — rolled out between 2016 and 2021 — was printed for the first time on polymer rather than paper.
Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, was among lawmakers who criticized the new nature theme.
“Let’s celebrate our wonderful British wildlife, sure, but Winston Churchill helped save our country and the whole of Europe from fascism,” he wrote on X.
“He deserves better than being replaced by a badger,” he said.
Main opposition Conservative lawmaker Alex Burghart called the decision “outrageous.”
“He (Churchill) earned his place on our five pound note. He must not be replaced with an otter,” he said on X, adding the “great people who shaped this nation” should not be forgotten.
