2025-06-22T04:59:50Z

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In a move that has sparked significant backlash, Canadian rapper Tommy Genesis, born Genesis Yasmine Mohanraj, has faced intense criticism for her portrayal of the Hindu goddess Maa Kali in the recently released music video for her song "True Blue." The video, which premiered just one day ago, features Genesis dressed in elaborate costumes that many have deemed inappropriate and disrespectful to Hindu culture. The artist, known for her bold and rebellious style, has been labeled the “internet's most rebellious underground rap queen” by Dazed magazine, but this latest release has ignited a firestorm of controversy.

In the music video, Genesis can be seen adorned with blue body paint, a gold maang tikka, a series of gold bangles, and a striking gold necklace. The visual imagery further includes a red bindi on her forehead, traditionally worn by many Hindu women. In addition to these decorations, Genesis also wore a gold bikini and matching stilettos, creating a juxtaposition that many viewers found jarring. As the video progresses, she provocatively licks a Christian crucifix and performs a hand gesture often associated with Hindu greeting, ‘namaste’—elements that have drawn ire from both Hindu and Christian communities.

As the video began to circulate, it quickly garnered a plethora of negative comments on social media, especially on platforms like X and Instagram. Critics were quick to point out that Genesis had managed to offend followers of both religions within the same video. One user remarked dryly, “Somehow you've managed to offend Christians and Hindus in the same video. Achievement.” Others expressed their outrage more passionately, with one X user stating, “This is blasphemy. It has become fashion to hurt Hindu sentiments. Even she knows no one will object.”

The controversy gained traction as many viewers accused Genesis of cultural appropriation, particularly highlighting the trend of Western artists adopting elements of Hindu culture for their own gain, often without understanding or respecting the significance behind them. Comments poured in on Instagram, with one user sarcastically stating, “Ah yes, nothing says spiritual awakening like a bindi at Coachella and chanting mantras between mimosas.”

The backlash reflects a growing concern among many regarding the appropriation of sacred symbols and practices in popular culture. Cultural appropriation occurs when individuals adopt elements of a culture—often without permission or respect—resulting in a commodification of cultural identities. In this case, many Hindus feel that Genesis’s portrayal of Maa Kali trivializes their beliefs and traditions, further perpetuating a cycle of disrespect in mainstream media.

Tommy Genesis’s music video for "True Blue" is part of her upcoming album, titled "Genesis." As the artist continues to navigate the complexities of her identity as a Tamil-Swedish artist, it remains to be seen how this controversy will affect her career and her relationship with her fans. The decision to blend provocative imagery with religious symbolism raises pressing questions about the responsibilities of artists in representing cultures authentically and sensitively.