Gwen Stefani’s Biggest Controversies: Appropriation, Hallow App and More

Gwen Stefani has received significant backlash over the years following multiple controversial moments in her career. Stefani has been accused of cultural appropriation as the result of many of her fashion choices. During the early years of her time with No Doubt, Stefani was seen wearing a bindi, a sacred decoration originally worn by South Asian women for religious and cultural reasons. After going solo, Stefani was accused of appropriating Japanese culture with her style and her backup dancers, the Harajuku Girls. In recent years, Stefani has raised eyebrows about being vocal about her Catholic faith. In 2024, Stefani was one of the many celebrities to join Hallow, a pay-to-pray meditation app. The app has received backlash for its commercialization of prayer and the use of celebrity endorsements. Keep scrolling for a break down of Stefani’s biggest controversies over the years: Wearing Bindis In the early ‘90s, Stefani donned a bindi on multiple occasions. A bindi is a decorative mark, traditionally a red dot, worn on the forehead between the eyebrows. In Southeast Asian culture, the accessory symbolizes the spiritual significance of the third eye, marital status or cultural identity. At the time, Stefani was dating her No Doubt bandmate Tony Kanal, who is of Indian heritage. In a 2019 interview with Vogue, looking back at several of her fashion moments, Stefani explained that Kanal’s mother gave her some bindis, which inspired her to incorporate the practice into her look. “I had never, growing up in Anaheim, spent any time with anyone from India,” she told the outlet. “And his mom would come down the stairs ready to go to these Indian parties, all dolled up with the bindi and jewelry and these beautiful fabric dresses.” Her Harajuku Girls Frank Micelotta/Getty Images Stefani released her first solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. in 2004. Stefani’s era was inspired by Japanese culture. In addition to her wardrobe, Stefani had a group of backup dancers called the Harajuku Girls —women of Japanese descent. Many criticized Stefani for appropriating Japanese culture when she herself was not Japanese at all. However, Stefani has defended her decision over the years as she explained her connection to Japanese culture stemmed from her father, who traveled multiple times to Japan for work. “That was my Japanese influence and that was a culture that was so rich with tradition, yet so futuristic (with) so much attention to art and detail and discipline and it was fascinating to me,” Stefani said in a 2023 interview with Allure, adding how her passion for the country deepened after traveling there herself. “I said, ‘My God, I’m Japanese and I didn’t know it.’” Stefani called herself a “super fan” and said that there is an “innocence” about her love for Japanese culture. ‘Cowboys and Indians’ Themed Music Video When No Doubt reunited in 2012 for their new song “Looking Hot,” Stefani and the band faced backlash for the music video, which was “cowboys and indians” themed. In the video, Stefani can be seen wearing a high-fashion version of a Native American headdress and more stereotypical clothing items. The video received backlash for its depiction of Native Americans. The music video was taken down following the controversy and the band released an apology statement. “As a multi-racial band, our foundation is built upon both diversity and consideration for other cultures. Our intention with our new video was never to offend, hurt or trivialize Native American people, their culture or their history. Although we consulted with Native American friends and Native American studies experts at the University of California, we realize now that we have offended people,” the statement read. “This is of great concern to us and we are removing the video immediately. The music that inspired us when we started the band, and the community of friends, family, and fans that surrounds us was built upon respect, unity and inclusiveness. We sincerely apologize to the Native American community and anyone else offended by this video. Being hurtful to anyone is simply not who we are.” Hallow App Involvement In 2024, Stefani became one of the many celebrities to partner with Hallow. The singer has participated in the faith-based platform’s many seasonal prayer challenges. According to Vice, Hallow was funded by venture capitalist and political activist Peter Thiel and current vice president J.D. Vance. While Stefani has been candid about her religious affiliation, several fans have raised their concerns due to her support for the LGBTQIA+ community and the app’s connection to prominent anti-LGBTQ+ conservative figures. After Stefani posted a paid-partnership video for Hallow on Instagram, Selling Sunset’s Chrishell Stause called out the musician for partnering with the app. “Gwen-DON’T SPEAK,” Stause wrote in the comments section of an Instagram Reel about Stefani’s ad, referring to No Doubt’s 1996 hit song. “Please take your own advice on this one🫠.”

Gwen Stefani’s Biggest Controversies: Appropriation, Hallow App and More

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Gwen Stefani’s Biggest Controversies: Appropriation, Hallow App and More

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