All the times the Kardashians were savagely called out for cultural appropriation
They're wildly showing no signs of stopping, either
It’s no secret that the Kardashian-Jenner family has a knack for staying in the spotlight, whether it’s their business empires, personal relationships, or headline-making style moments.
But with that level of influence comes controversy, and one criticism that has followed them for years is cultural appropriation.
From hairstyles to fashion choices, the famous family has often been accused of borrowing from cultures without acknowledging their origins. Let’s take a look back at some of the most terribly memorable times the Kardashians and Jenners were called out.
Kim Kardashian’s ‘Bo Derek braids’
Throwing it back in 2018, Kim Kardashian faced backlash after posting an eyebrow-raising snap on social media. In the caption, she referred to her Fulani-inspired braids as “Bo Derek braids.”
While Bo Derek famously wore similar braids in the 1979 film 10, the style itself has deep cultural roots within the Black community.
Many called Kim out for crediting a white actress rather than acknowledging where the hairstyle truly originated. This wasn’t Kim’s first time with braids; she has been spotted with cornrows and box braids on multiple occasions, but the way she named them caused particular outrage.
Critics argued it was yet another example of the Kardashians benefiting from Black culture while the same styles have historically been stigmatised when worn by Black women.
The actor Kim was making reference to, Bo Derek, defended her online. Taking to Twitter at the time, she said:
“Hey! It’s just a hairstyle that I wore in the movie “10” @KimKardashian calls it the Bo Derek because she copied my pattern of braids. I copied it from Ann-Margret’s backup singer from her Vegas Sho. And we all copied Queen Nofretari. I hope Her Royal Highness is flattered.”
Kim also responded to the criticism at the time in an interview with Bustle. She said: “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…”
Kendall Jenner’s tequila brand
When Kendall Jenner launched her 818 Tequila brand in 2021, it didn’t take long for backlash to brew.
Promotional images showed the model in traditional Mexican dress, riding a horse, and working in agave fields, which many accused of perpetuating stereotypes and glamorising Mexican culture without respecting the struggles of the people who actually harvest agave.
Critics also pointed out the larger issue of wealthy celebrities entering the tequila industry, a trade deeply rooted in Mexican history and tradition, and profiting off it without giving back to the communities behind the spirit.
While Kendall defended her intentions on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, many felt the marketing missed the mark and leaned into appropriation rather than celebration.
Kylie Jenner’s snaps with dreads
When Amandla Stenberg called out Kylie and she responded
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In 2015, Kylie Jenner landed in hot water when she posed with faux locs on Instagram and on the cover of Teen Vogue.
The image sparked immediate debate, with critics highlighting how Black people wearing locs often face discrimination, yet Kylie was being praised for a look that’s deeply tied to Black culture and Rastafarian heritage.
Actress Amandla Stenberg famously weighed in over the time Kylie sported cornrows and captioned a post: “I woke up like disss.”
Amandla pointed out that Kylie seemed quick to adopt Black aesthetics while not using her platform to speak out about issues facing the Black community.
The feud went viral and started a broader conversation about how mainstream stars, especially white ones, often profit from styles without supporting the people who created them.
Khloé Kardashian’s braids
Khloé Kardashian has also been called out multiple times for wearing cornrows. In 2016, she posted selfies with the caption ‘Bantu babe,’ but the hairstyle she was wearing was actually cornrows, not Bantu knots, two completely different styles with distinct cultural histories.
Folks were quick to correct her and call her out for mislabeling a traditional Black hairstyle.
This wasn’t a one-off either; Khloé has frequently sported braids and cornrows over the years, sparking repeated debates about whether she is appropriating or appreciating.
Khloé Kardashian’s Bratz doll costume
Fast-forward to Halloween 2022, and Khloé was once again facing criticism, this time for her Bratz doll costume.
The look featured Khloé with darker makeup, exaggerated features, and styling that many said was uncomfortably close to Blackfishing.
People pointed out that while Bratz dolls were inspired by diverse cultural aesthetics, Khloé’s interpretation leaned into caricature territory rather than homage.
The backlash reignited discussions about how the Kardashians’ style choices often blur the line between cultural appreciation and appropriation, especially when it comes to adopting features associated with Black and brown communities.
Per BuzzFeed, “Khloé ended up taking to her Instagram stories to address her Halloween appearance, explaining that she and her group used facial prosthetics to look ‘more like a doll’, but didn’t address the cultural appropriation backlash.
Kim and Khloé’s durag moment
One of their more recent controversies involves Kim and Khloé Kardashian wearing durags while spending time with tennis icon Serena Williams. The three women smiled for the camera as they attended attend the NikeSKIMS Launch in 2025.
The image triggered significant backlash from fans and commentators alike, who argued durags are a meaningful symbol historically rooted in Black culture and hair care traditions.
Critics said that the Kardashians, with their massive platform and largely non-Black identity, using the accessory in a casual, aesthetic way without engaging in the deeper cultural or political significance felt like another example of appropriation.
Some also pointed out that the comparison is stark: when Black people wear durags, they’re often subjected to scrutiny and stereotypes.
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