Here's What Rihanna's Ganesha Pendant Controversy Is All About

The Rihanna-Ganesha pendant controversy is the latest in the line of things that have sparked outrage against the pop sensation on Indian Twitter. Prior to this, she had drawn wide backlash for a single remark on the ongoing farmers' agitation.

On February 16, the 32-year-old took to Twitter to share a topless picture of herself in which she can be seen sporting a purple pendant cut in the shape of the Hindu deity Ganesha. Here's all you need to know about what really happened.

Rihanna-Ganesha Pendant Controversy: A Timeline

1. On February 16, the Love The Way You Lie singer took to Twitter to share an almost-bare photo of herself. While this was not the first time Rihanna went topless for the camera, a detail sitting on her stomach seems to have offended many on social media.

2. In the

when @PopcaanMusic said “me nuh wan ya wear no lingerie tonight fa me girl” @SavageXFenty pic.twitter.com/bnrtCZT7FB

— Rihanna (@rihanna) February 15, 2021 Rihanna can be seen sporting a purple pendant cut in the figure of Hindu god Ganesha over her bare body, covered only by matching shorts, beads, jewellery and her tattoos.

3. Rihanna’s tweet has not gone down well with many social media users who are deeming it to be an affront to their religious faith. Added to many netizens’ resentment with the singer for remarking on the farmers’ protest, the backlash against her now seems to have doubled.

4. While some demand action from Twitter and CEO Jack Dorsey against this allegedly "offensive" picture, others are claiming this to be an instance of cultural appropriation.

Super offensive wearing Ganesha like that. My first god, a holy sentiment to millions of people celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi every year. Sorry RiRi, you disappointed me and others.

— daakkuuu (@Presenjeet26) February 15, 2021

Rihanna-Ganesha pendant controversy evokes response from Twitterati

OK I love her but why tf she's culture appropriating ??? She's wearing lord Ganesha necklace as an aesthetic even I a Hindu never did that then who's she ???? https://t.co/DPWw1Pg65F

— Vishwa 💛💛 (@wolves__stan) February 16, 2021

5. Rihanna had earlier kicked up a social media storm with a single tweet on the internet shutdowns surrounding farmers’ protest on February 2, which said, “why aren’t we talking about this?!” It had set the ball rolling on global attention accorded to the farmers' protest.