Beyoncé and Coldplay Facing Backlash for Appropriating Indian Culture in New Video

Beyoncé and Coldplay are coming under some fire for their joint music video for "Hymn for the Weekend." The music video portrays Beyoncé as a Bollywood star and Coldplay frontrunner, Chris Martin, as an onlooker. Some people are taking issue with the video, saying it constitutes cultural appropriation of the Indian culture.

The video, which is directed by Ben Mor, shows Holi, a religious festival that involves splashing participants in dry powders and water. The festival celebrates forgiveness and love.

The video also depicts children dancing in the streets and other imagery which some find to be a simplistic portrayal of Indian culture. One Twitter user said, "[I am] so upset by Coldplay using my culture as a prop for their music video. India isn't just street kids and exotic women."

Another person put it this way: "It's crazy how literally all the India music videos hit all the same beats. Holi paint, Bollywood, poverty, spirituality. Come onnnn."

Still others find issue with Beyoncé herself and her movements while dancing that some say have no root in actual Indian dances. One person said, "Why didn't they choose another Desi woman instead of Beyoncé?"

While some people feel the video is cultural appropriation, others are defending it, saying it is more reminiscent of cultural appreciation. "All of a sudden y'all forgot what cultural appropriation is when it comes to Beyoncé," Twitter user Johnny said. Another user agreed, saying, "There is a difference between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation. 'Hymn For the Weekend' = appreciation."

Beyoncé and Coldplay are not the first stars to cause controversy over a music video. Iggy Azalea's video for "Bounce" and Selena Gomez's video for "Come and Get It" also spurred complaints of cultural appropriation of Indian culture.

Check out the video below and decide for yourself!