‘Tone-deaf’: Influencer slammed for ‘nasty’ act
A Canadian influencer has been accused of “using a culture as a random kink” while holidaying in Japan.
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A Canadian influencer is facing accusations of cultural appropriation following a “tone-deaf” Instagram post showing off her new Rolex watch.
Cindy Kilian, 28, who has amassed a following of 1.3 million on TikTok under the handle Regarding Cindy, recently shared a series of photos from a hotel room while she was holidaying in Japan.
Kilian, who currently lives in Sydney, donned a pink kimono with a vibrant floral pattern, complete with a hand fan, and traditional hairstyle while proudly displaying a gold Rolex on her wrist – which she said was a gift from her partner.
Her attempt to channel the aesthetic of a Japanese Geisha was met with criticism, particularly due to her caption: “Kimono girl you better work for that Rolex.”
In the comments she added she “had to go to town” with the extravagant look.
Many social media users slammed her for the insensitivity of the post, deeming it a blatant disregard for cultural nuances.
In the Tea Time Facebook group, one user called her out for “dressing up in a cultural outfit” in exchange for a watch, even if her caption was just a joke.
“Am I the only one who is shocked that she posted this?” someone else asked.
“Another random girl trying to be different for social media and using a culture as a random kink? Sounds about WHYT to me!” another quipped.
“This is NASTYYY,” they added.
“You should not comment on racial issues if you are not part of that race,” yet another commenter claimed.
“I’m shocked she thinks this is appropriate to post publicly,” a different user expressed.
Geishas are traditional Japanese female entertainers known for their performances that include music, dance, and conversation.
Originating during the 18th century, they are trained in various Japanese arts, such as playing classical instruments, calligraphy, and the tea ceremony, allowing them to entertain guests in a sophisticated way.
Cultural appropriation is defined as “the unacknowledged, inappropriate or stereotypical adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people or society.”
News.com.au has reached out to Kilian for comment.
Speaking on the Ellefluential podcast last year, she opened up about the importance of ignoring “trolls” online.
“You are you. You are so powerful being just yourself and that sis is your superpower,” she said.
“As soon as you try and let these other people’s thoughts and opinions about you control your mind and its like, why? They’re irrelevant.
“They’re someone who trolls you online or they just have their own opinions which is fine, but don’t let it change the person that you are meant to be.”
Originally published as ‘Tone-deaf’: Influencer slammed for ‘nasty’ act
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