Kim Kardashian defended wearing Fulani braids amidst cries of cultural appropriation (2024)

• Kim Kardashian wore Fulani braids to the 2018 MTV Movie & TV Awards on June 16.
• People online reacted negatively to the reality star’s look, accusing her of cultural appropriation.
• Kardashian later spoke out about why she wore the hairstyle and what she thinks of the backlash.

It’s not uncommon for the Kardashian-Jenner clan to catch flak for their sometimes questionable beauty and style choices. In the latest instance, people on social media strongly objected to the look Kim Kardashian wore to the 2018 MTV Movie & TV Awards.

The reality star hit the red carpet for the awards show on June 16 with her hair in Fulani braids. Fulani braids are a type of braiding that originated in West Africa, and several white celebrities have been accused of culturally appropriating the style. After sharing a video of the look on Twitter, Kardashian’s followers were quick to comment with their disapproval.

—Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) June 17, 2018

—Aksh*ta's reputation was always worse (@feminist__stan) June 17, 2018

—aasha (a-ä-sha) ♋️ (@deactivate__me) June 17, 2018

—BBQ Sauce (@bigbrownqueer) June 17, 2018

In a recent interview with Bustle at the opening of her KKW Beauty and Fragrance pop-up shop at Westfield Century City in Los Angeles, Kardashian opened up about what inspired her to wear braids that night. As it turns out, she missed the Internet outcry entirely.

"I actually didn't see backlash. I actually did that look because North said she wanted braids and asked if I would do them with her. So we braided her hair and then we braided my hair," Kardashian explained.

North, who is biracial (unlike her mom), has naturally curly hair and often wears her locks naturally or in braids. Despite offering an explanation for why she chose to wear braids, Kardashian said she understands and acknowledges why people were angry about it. She also recalled a previous instance when the Internet reacted strongly to seeing her hair in braids back in January.

"I [do] remember the backlash when I had the blonde hair and that I called them 'Bo Derek braids.' But I obviously know they're called Fulani braids and I know the origin of where they came from and I'm totally respectful of that. I'm not tone deaf to where I don't get it. I do get it," Kardashian said.

Bo Derek braids

A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Feb 13, 2013 at 2:55pm PSTFeb 13, 2013 at 2:55pm PST

Kardashian was also criticized for debuting what she called "Bo Derek braids" in 2013. But the Keeping Up with the Kardashians star is insistent that she’s not attempting to appropriate anyone’s culture — instead, she’s trying to wear them with honor and respect and celebrating her daughter’s hair.

"Maybe if I had come out and explained that from the beginning instead of calling them 'Bo Derek braids,' then it wouldn't have gotten such backlash," Kardashian said. "But in no way am I ever trying to disrespect anyone's culture by wearing braids. If anything, my daughter was so excited to see me get matching braids with her. [When] we did her hair in these braids, she was so excited."

Merry Christmas everybody! Good night!

A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Dec 25, 2015 at 10:34pm PSTDec 25, 2015 at 10:34pm PST

See Also

Everything You Need to Know About Fulani Braids

In spite of the outcry she’s received for her beauty choices, Kardashian said she’ll continue to encourage North to explore and experiment with different styles.

"I think it's really fun to experiment and try new things. [I would tell her to] do what makes you happy as long as it's nothing permanent and [if] you want to try and experiment with something, let's try fun, new things," she explained.

Sign up here to get INSIDER's favorite stories straight to your inbox.