Reuters MIKE SEGAR
The famous pop singer Rihanna has sparked controversy in India after she posted a topless picture of her in a lingerie advertisement on social media, hanging the necklace of the god Ganesha, the chief Hindu deity.
Rihanna posted the photo on her Twitter account, which has more than 100 million followers, and on her Instagram page, which has 91.4 million followers, as part of the promotions for “Savage X Fenty” clothes.
Social media users and politicians in India considered her post “insulting”, and accused her of not respecting Hindu deities and harming local feelings.
“It’s awful to see how Rihanna mocks our beloved Hindu god Ganesha,” legislator Ram Kadam wrote on Twitter.
He added, “This reveals how Rihanna has no respect for Indian culture and traditions and our issues here.”
The right-wing World Hindu Council said it had lodged complaints with the police against “Instagram” and “Twitter”, and demanded action against Rihanna’s accounts on social media.
The photos of Rihanna’s photo shoot come just weeks after she harassed the Indian government by commenting on the massive farmers’ protests, which pose a huge challenge to New Delhi.
Source: “AFP”