Kylie Jenner, the youngest of the Kardashian-Jenner brood, is no stranger to controversy as she has engaged in social media feuds with other celebrities, but her latest Instagram post landed her in hot water as she uploaded a picture of herself wearing her hair in cornrows. But although she has her critics, one of her celebrity friends, Justin Bieber, has come to her defense and admonished people not to call her a racist.
Jenner got some backlash on the photo sharing app, including a few choice words from actress Amandla Stenberg. Stenberg shamed the "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" star for "appropriating black features and culture but fail to use ur position of power to help black Americans by directing attention towards ur wigs instead of police brutality or racism."
Bieber commented on the controversial photo on Monday, July 13, telling Jenner's detractors to leave her alone as "we're all trying to figure it out" and it just so happens that the reality star is under constant public scrutiny.
"Saying she's being racist because she wants her hair in braids is ridiculous," he wrote.
The "Girlfriend" singer suggested that people should focus on the bigger picture, and instead of fighting over Jenner's hairstyle, critics should "do something about equality" and not blast a 17-year old for wearing braids.
Jenner initially responded to Stenberg's comment and replied, "Mad if I don't, Mad if I do…Go hang with Jaden or something."
She was referring to Stenberg having gone to prom with actor Jaden Smith in May. Smith is a close friend of Jenner, and it was also rumored that they dated but they never confirmed their relationship.
Stenberg, who rose to fame playing Rue in "The Hunger Games," followed up her Instagram post with a post on racial and gender double standards, which was uploaded on Twitter. On Monday evening, she wrote about ending the "angry black girl" narrative.
"I have strong opinions," Stenberg wrote. "I am not angry."
