In December 2019, Bhad Bhabie addressed criticism she received online after sharing photos of herself wearing box braids. The posts sparked a wave of responses across social media, with some users accusing the rapper of cultural appropriation.
The reaction unfolded primarily on Instagram, where Bhad Bhabie responded directly to commenters questioning her choice of hairstyle. Her remarks focused on the broader conversation around fashion and identity in hip-hop, pushing back against claims that she was adopting a look without understanding its cultural roots.
Rather than removing the images or issuing a statement of apology, she chose to engage publicly with critics. Her responses drew additional attention to the issue, prompting both support and criticism from followers and onlookers as screenshots circulated beyond her own page.
The discussion reflected an ongoing debate within music and pop culture about the boundaries between appreciation and appropriation, particularly when historically Black hairstyles are worn by non-Black artists. As with similar controversies involving public figures, opinions remained divided, with no clear consensus emerging.
By the end of the exchange, the moment had become less about a single hairstyle and more about how quickly cultural debates can escalate online. For Bhad Bhabie, the backlash marked another instance of social media amplifying personal expression into a broader public conversation, underscoring how style, identity, and visibility continue to intersect in the digital age.