Alabama Barker Accused Of 'Cultural Appropriation' In New Bikini Pics

Alabama Barker, the 18-year-old daughter of musician Travis Barker and model Shanna Moakler, has recently found herself in the midst of controversy after sharing bikini photos on her social media accounts. The teenage influencer, who boasts a large following on platforms like Instagram, faced accusations of cultural appropriation due to her choice of attire in the images.

In the snapshots, Barker is captured posing in a bikini ensemble featuring vibrant green and yellow tones, complemented by a matching cover-up adorned with hues of black and red. However, this choice of attire prompted criticism from certain individuals, who alleged that Barker was appropriating black culture by donning colors associated with Rastafarian symbolism.

The backlash against Barker's photos sparked a debate on social media, with many users expressing their opinions on the matter. Some defended Barker, arguing that the colors should not be restricted to specific cultural groups, while others criticized her for appropriating a style with deep cultural significance without acknowledging its origins or historical context.

"Again with the cultural appropriation. Sad. Just stop it," wrote one person, while another expressed, "Ok cool, I was wondering when you were gonna cross the line into cosplaying as a black woman."

A third user added, "She really said lemme dress up for black history month."

A different follower, who defended Alabama, commented, "Never been this early to a post. You’re beautiful girly! Don't listen to the miserable people that comment on your posts. Travis Barker is your dad and Kourtney Kardashian is your step mom. You’re set for life. Lol."

Another follower remarked, "First off she don't wanna be nobody other than herself idc idc leave her alone! Y'all always reaching !!!!!"

This is not the first time Barker has faced criticism for her social media posts. In June 2023, she rocked a different set of bikini and the same knit poncho featuring Rastafarian colors.

"Jamaican gyal," one user commented on the clip of Alabama lip-syncing to R&B artist Bobby V.'s "Slow Down" while wearing the open-weave ensemble, accompanied by an emoji of the Jamaican flag.

"It's giving adel [sic]," another remarked, alluding to the controversy surrounding singer Adele's 2020 appearance in a Jamaican flag bikini and Bantu knots.

Although Alabama dismissed one commenter's criticism, others continued to express disapproval of her outfit choice.

One user joked, "Real island gyal," while another commented, "Someone thinks they're a rasta."

Adding to the criticism, a third user exclaimed, "BOMBACLATT," invoking the Jamaican slang term used to express surprise or disdain.

Amidst the backlash, when someone demanded, "Girl take that off rn," Alabama defiantly responded, "Make me."

Page Six reports that Alabama is not the only celebrity to face accusations of cultural appropriation for wearing the colors of the Jamaican flag, a controversy that also involved Adele.

When Gwen Stefani made an appearance in Sean Paul’s music video for "Light My Fire" last year, donning dreadlocks and a dress in yellow, green, and black, it sparked a wave of commentary.