Justin Bieber shaves off dreadlocks following cultural appropriation backlash

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By VT

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Justin Bieber has shaved off his dreadlocks in the wake of cultural appropriation accusations.

The 'Baby' singer sported the hairstyle, typically associated with reggae music and Jamaican culture, for just a month before opting instead for a buzz cut.

While the Grammy winner, 28, did not address the controversy over his dreads, he did show off his new haircut in a post to Instagram on Sunday.

In the casual snap taken by Justin himself, the Canadian musician is seen sitting with his wife Hailey, 24. He kept the caption short and sweet, writing: "Happy Sunday".

A number of the performer's fans have since taken to the comments to share their thoughts on Justin's new look:

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Credit: Instagram / Justin Bieber
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Credit: Instagram / Justin Bieber
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Credit: Instagram / Justin Bieber

One wrote: "The fact that I knew you were gonna do this after the dreads lmfao yes we love to see it, always looking good too."

Another shared: "Thank god he shaved his head."

A third commented: "Better than the dreads."

He then posted a black and white image of himself, this time posted to his Instagram Story, in which he is seen placing his hand on his freshly shaved head.

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Credit: Justin Bieber / Instagram

Last month, Justin debuted his dreadlocks as she shared two snaps featuring the hairstyle with his 176 million followers.

While he received compliments from many of his followers, a number of the commenters accused him of cultural appropriation - believing him to have no ties to the culturally significant hairstyle.

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Credit: Justin Bieber / Instagram
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Credit: Justin Bieber / Instagram
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Credit: Justin Bieber / Instagram

While out and about with his wife over the weekend, Justin was asked by a TMZ reporter what exactly inspired his new cut and whether it had anything to do with the criticism he received for his previous look.

However, the chart-topper, who was with his wife at the time, did not engage with the reporter.

In any case, he has joined a growing list of celebrities who have been accused of cultural appropriation. Others include members of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, Adele, Bruno Mars, Rihanna, and Miley Cyrus.

Cultural appropriation is frowned upon amongst some people as they believe so-called appropriators simply take a part of someone else's culture without being aware of the true significance of it.

It is also believed that hairstyles, accessories, and cultural items of clothing are immediately made more "palatable" when worn by white people than by people of color.

Writer and speaker Feminista Jones explained to CNN in 2016: "Cultural appropriation is about the power dynamic.

"When people with power and privilege decide to 'validate' customs and traditions that oppressed people have long been marginalized for by saying 'This is the hot new thing,' then we have serious problems."

Featured image credit: PA Images / Alamy