Rihanna's hot new photo sparks some heat from critics

Internet - Pop singer Rihanna's latest photo might not have much clothing, but it seems to have just enough accessories to cause a stir amongst internet critics accusing her of cultural appropriation.

Rihanna has also been pictured with hand tattoos in a Henna design.
Rihanna has also been pictured with hand tattoos in a Henna design.  © Instagram/Screenshot/@badgalriri

In the photo posted to both her Instagram and Twitter accounts, the 32-year-old singer can be seen without a shirt. On top, she only has on a necklace with a pendant representing the Hindu god Ganesha, some users on the platform pointed out.

The singer's caption promoted her silky lilac lingerie shorts from her SAVAGE X FENTY clothing line. Many Instagram users loved the sexy look, commenting "Jaw..... on floor" and "Bad Gal in full effect!!!" However, others said the necklace disrespected Indian culture.

"This is not fashion or a trend," one critic wrote. Another enflamed response, which gained 6,000 likes, proclaimed: "WTF MY RELIGION IS NOT YOUR AESTHETIC."

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The picture received more than 9.8 million likes on Instagram in its first two days.

Rihanna recently made headlines commenting on Indian events

This is not the first time the Barbadian singer has made headlines relating to Indian topics. Rihanna has been photographed with hand tattoos in a henna design, a form of traditional body art popular in Indian heritage. Earlier in February, she gained the attention of Indian government officials after speaking out about the farmer protests in the country.

Tens of thousands of Indian farmers have protested around the capital Delhi since November, in most cases peacefully, demanding that recent controversial agricultural market laws sanctioned by the government be repealed.

However, after violence erupted between protesters and police in late January, the government blockaded the farmers' route into the city with strong barricades and enacted an internet shutdown in the country that lasted days.

Rihanna tweeted, "Why aren't we talking about this!!! #farmersprotest." She also shared a related CNN article, which Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg also circulated a few hours later.

Her comments elevating the events on her public platform were swiftly condemned by India's Ministry of External Affairs: "Before commenting quickly on such matters, we caution that facts be ascertained and a proper understanding of the facts at hand be made."

For now, Rihanna remains consistent in not shying away from sharing her skimpy photoshoots or expressing her interest in Indian trends.

Cover photo: Instagram/Screenshot/@badgalriri

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