The internet is NOT happy with Kim Kardashian’s Aaliyah costume
It feels like Halloween has been going on for about a week now, but it’s only just arrived today. And of course, this was bound to happen. This meaning an offensive costume. As for the offender? It’s Kim Kardashian dressed up as Aaliyah.
Some folks were all here for the spot-on Halloween costume that perfectly captured baby girl’s essence. While others are upset for reasons ranging from cultural appropriation to “Is Kim K. even an Aaliyah fan?”
But let’s back up for a second. Before donning her Aaliyah costume, Kim straight-up owned her Cher costume.
Sonny & Cher #HalloWKKWeen pic.twitter.com/nXStzZnrTs
— Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian) October 28, 2017
And Cher herself co-signed the costume and gave props to her Armenian girl.
I love you so much!!! 💋 https://t.co/nHLF78I6G1
— Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian) October 28, 2017
However, the reception wasn’t so loving when Kim debuted her next Halloween costume. The Kardashians take Halloween pretty seriously, and Kim tweeted that her theme for this year was all about legends.
"My Halloween theme this year is ICONS! Musical legends!!! Paying homage to some of my faves!"
Just one minute later, she tweeted a video of her next costume. And her mentions immediately lit up.
Baby girl??
Baby Girl Aaliyah pic.twitter.com/5GUHkNJgNi
— Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian) October 29, 2017
From an aesthetic point, it was a thumbs up. The sleek black hair, sparkly choker, and leather pants perfectly captured Aaliyah’s “Try Again” video.
i – one of the biggest Aaliyah fans and critics of everything Aaliyah see absolutely nothing wrong with KKW dressing as her. It was spot on
— saw. (@iamSAM_) October 30, 2017
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But it wasn’t a definitive yasssss from the entire Twitterverse.
Some users immediately had a problem with a non-black person dressing as a black woman. And some took issue with it just ’cause.
Legend or not Aaliyah is a black woman and you’re not. It’s offensive and you shouldn’t push this limit, but ok… 🙄
— 𝕊𝕦𝕟𝕗𝕝𝕠𝕨𝕖𝕣 💚🇧🇿 (@LAGrlCrookdSmle) October 29, 2017
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Others, however, didn’t have a problem.
She dressed up as a musical artist no black face nothing offensive. Y’all love to hate and reach for nothing stop it. It’s Halloween. pic.twitter.com/4uCnOpu65U
— Play Wit Ya Mammy (@twowonfoe) October 29, 2017
Some simply thought the costume was, well, not properly executed. Instead of looking like Aaliyah, it was Kim dressed as Cher dressed as Aaliyah.
Everyone should only be mad at the fact that she didn't do the costume any justice, and it was a mediocre tribute to the legend Aaliyah.
— l i m 🤟🏽 r i c k (@atlmrckk) October 30, 2017
A final argument was: Does Kim even really know Aaliyah and her music? How can she pay homage to someone she may not fully understand? false
Either way, Kim didn’t miss a beat or acknowledge the backlash. She simply released her new Halloween KIMOJI.
