There’s a fine line between paying respect and being offensive.
And many Internet users think Kim Kardashian just crossed it.
The reality star has always embraced Halloween nearly as much as Heidi Klum, often dressed up in multiple costumes every year.
Just consider ALL THESE PHOTOS of the A-Lister as a mermaid, as Anna Wintour and even as a version of herself.
This year, Kardashian appears to have chosen a theme for her various looks: music.
She was spotted out at a party all decked out as Cher on Friday, for example, with best friend Jonathan Cheban doing his best Sonny Bono impression.
Sort of random, but definitely harmless, right?
Folks are not saying the same about Kim’s latest ensemble.
The Keeping Up with the Kardashians mainstay posted a picture of herself dressed as the late artist Aaliyah in a glimmering bra and large rhinestone choker Sunday, captioning the sexy video as follows:
“Baby Girl Aaliyah.”
The beloved R&B singer was killed at the age of 22 in a plane crash and it’s certainly a bit strange for Kim to actually base a costume around this dead star.
As far as we know, Kim was not especially close to Aaliyah, who passed away in 2001, and, what else can we say… it’s just odd to dress up like a late celebrity, isn’t it?
Especially when you try to be all sexy and seductive in the costume, as Kim is clearly attempting here.
We’re not alone in this assessment, either.
Considering Aaliyah was also African-American, critics have jumped all over Kardashian for what they consider to be cultural appropriation.
This is a charge that has been leveled in the past against Kendall and Kylie Jenner and it means that someone isn’t respecting another culture…
… he or she instead is exploiting it for his or her own selfish purposes.
“Legend or not Aaliyah is a black woman and you’re not. It’s offensive and you shouldn’t push this limit,” wrote one Twitter user in response to this outfit.
Others were equally direct and harsh:
To be fair, however, Kardashian does have her defenders.
Writes one person:
“Kimberly Kardashian West looks great dressed as Aaliyah. THAT is how you pay respect without doing Blackface. Great job @KimKardashian!”
And another:
“The people mad that Kim K. dressed up as Aaliyah only know the chorus to One In A Million. Shut Up. Stop Being Bitter.”
Where do you stand?
Is Kardashian honoring Aaliyah? Offending her memory? Or just being very strange with this costume choices?
