Canadian rapper and model Tommy Genesis has caused a huge controversy with the release of her latest music video True Blue, receiving backlash for allegedly disrespecting religious sentiments. The video, which dropped on YouTube on Saturday, has drawn widespread criticism for its provocative imagery that many say resembles depictions of the Hindu goddess Kali. Read to know more details about the controversial music video,
What Did Tommy Genesis Do In Her Music Video?
In the music video, Tommy Genesis, born Genesis Yasmine Mohanraj, appears covered in bright blue body paint while donning elaborate gold jewellery, a red bindi, and a golden bikini. Her braided hair and specific styling led many viewers to interpret her appearance as a stylised reference to Goddess Kali, a fierce and powerful deity in Hindu mythology. The controversy escalated as the artist was also seen handling a Christian cross in what some online viewers described as disrespectful and blasphemous. Several visuals have particularly offended both Hindu and Christian communities. In one scene, Genesis is seen making a namaste gesture, while in another, she provocatively licks a crucifix, a move many believe was intended for shock value.
Many social media users accused Genesis of cultural appropriation and religious insensitivity. Indian rapper Raftaar took to Instagram to call out the video, sharing his disapproval by sharing a screenshot of him reporting the video to YouTube. Urging his followers to do the same, he stated that the visuals amounted to a mockery of his faith and said such content has no place in public media.
“This is deeply offensive,” Raftaar wrote in his Instagram story. Tommy Genesis, who identifies as a fetish rapper, is known for pushing the boundaries of sensuality and gender expression in her work. In a previous interview with Office Magazine, she addressed her polarising style, saying her music isn’t designed to appeal to everyone and that listeners’ personal beliefs might influence how they perceive her work. On the other hand, Tommy Genesis or her team has reacted to the massive social media backlash, plus the video remains publicly available on YouTube.
More Details On True Blue
True Blue is part of Genesis’s upcoming album Genesis. With mounting backlash from multiple communities, calls are growing for the artist to take accountability and remove the controversial content.