Saturday Night Live/NBC

Nicki Minaj’s SNL Performance Draws Cultural Appropriation Criticism

Nicki Minaj took to the hallowed stage of Saturday Night Live this weekend to perform her new single, ‘Chun-Li’, and her performance is drawing some criticism revolving around accusations of cultural appropriation.

During the performance, Minaj rocked traditional Chinese and Japanese garb, while having all-Asian dancers and a Japanese-inspired set. It seems that she would be toeing the fine line between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation, but some people think she may have crossed the line.

However, other people are pointing out the fact that the song is reference to the video game character of the same name, and the performance is an homage to that. It’s also being noted that Minaj is of Indo-Trinidadian descent.

https://twitter.com/JadenKeuten/status/998055601941905408

https://twitter.com/queenisthealbum/status/992501407197614083

Watch the performance below and decide for yourself. Minaj’s highly anticipated fourth album, Queen, is out Friday, 15th June.

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