Fans of Ariana Grande have rushed in to defend the American pop artist following accusations of 'Asian-fishing' in recent photos.
The Florida-born singer posed in an Asian-style outfit for a series of photos shot by photographer Katia Temkin, who posted them on Instagram last week.
She wore a white bow-tie in her hair and around her neck, combined with winged black eye-liner, white makeup, an oversized grey blazer, and black heeled platforms.
TikTok influencer Victoria Alexander took to the platform to point out something she thinks is seriously wrong with the shoot: "I'm not saying that Ariana Grande has moved on from Black-fishing to Asian-fishing, but I am saying it took me longer than expected to realise that this is her.
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"I understand that celebrities will change up their look from time to time, but this is giving change up of phenotype [a racial chameleon]."
According to Metro, the photos were once posted on Ariana's own Instagram page before being removed after the accusations.
Asian-fishing, for your knowledge, refers to the act of changing your appearance to look as if you were Asian.
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There is a similar term called Black-fishing and both suggest racial appropriation of some kind.
Ariana's eye shape in the photos was the main concern for critics of the new photos as some believed the singer had changed them to look more alike to someone of Asian descent (Ariana is Italian American.)
One of Victoria's followers commented that the position was indefensible, even if she loved her.
Another wrote: "As a long time fan, this was disappointing to realise. There's no denying it."
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One Twitter user added: "It's a combination of the innocent posing, the little bows and s**t. Even the colour of her lipstick."
However, other more loyal fans took their places to defend Ariana's position on the matter.
One Asian Twitter user tweeted: "I'm Asian and I can point out Asian-fishing when I see one.
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"Ariana isn't Asian-fishing, cause clearly y'all never heard of the flash from the camera and that skin can go pale in the winter."
Another called Ariana's critics 'weirdos' and claimed it was only a stir-up to cause trouble for the "Thank U, Next" hit singer.
Transracial white British influencer Oli London, who had surgery to look more like a member of his favourite K-pop group BTS, even stepped in for the star.
He tweeted: "No one should judge her, or use their White Privilege against her.
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"She looks amazing. Proud of you Ari."
Words: Charlie Metcalfe