Khloé Kardashian is under fire from fans who are accusing her of ‘blackfishing’ following her Halloween outfit choice, dressing up as a Bratz doll in photos shared on her Instagram account.
The “Kardashians” celebrity donned a yellow-patterned mini dress with a white long-sleeved shirt underneath, complemented by a matching yellow beret, and sported ultra-long platinum blonde hair while holding a Bratz-logo handbag adorned with crystals.
Despite the thematic nature of her attire, it was Kardashian’s skin tone that became the focal point of discussion among her followers. Many took to the comment section to express surprise at her notably altered appearance, citing her skin tone as being “10 times darker” than her usual shade.
Critics accused the reality star of attempting to emulate a different ethnicity, with one person suggesting that she aspired to “be black sooooooo bad.” Others questioned the stark contrast, wondering aloud why she appeared “three shades darker than usual.”
The term “blackfishing,” describing the practice of white public figures altering their appearance to appear black or mixed race, circulated among the criticisms aimed at Kardashian’s costume. Fans expressed their discontent, labeling her behavior as “blackfishing,” calling her a “heaux,” and questioning her drastic transformation, noting her unrecognizable appearance in the outfit.
Although the Bratz doll costume was part of a collective ensemble featuring her sister Kim Kardashian and friends Olivia Pierson and Natalie Halcro, it was Khloé who faced the brunt of the backlash for her altered appearance.
A post on Kim’s Instagram, featuring all four women dressed as Bratz dolls, led to comments expressing surprise at Khloé’s look. Fans appeared baffled by her altered appearance, with one commenting, “I don’t recognize Khloe😰.”
However, amidst the criticism, some defended Khloé, pointing out that her appearance was part of a costume, suggesting that her skin tone was altered for the thematic portrayal.
This incident isn’t the first time a member of the Kardashian-Jenner family has faced accusations of ‘blackfishing.’ Previously, Kylie Jenner was criticized for her limited-edition Bratz doll collection, with fans expressing discomfort at the dolls’ brown skin tone, pointing out the incongruity of a white celebrity presenting such a collection.
The controversies surrounding Khloé’s costume choice and Kylie’s Bratz doll line highlight ongoing concerns about cultural representation and appropriation, inviting discussions about the perceptions and responsibilities of public figures in matters of race and identity.
