Hailey Bieber's Rhode Beauty Line Sparks Controversy: Cultural Appropriation Claims

HAILEY BIEBER UNDER FIRE FOR LATEST BEAUTY LAUNCH: IS SHE APPROPRIATING CULTURE OR JUST GETTING TOO COMFORTABLE WITH HER FANS' MONEY?

Supermodel and entrepreneur Hailey Bieber's Rhode beauty line has been making waves in the industry since its launch, but her latest release may have just sparked a firestorm of controversy. The 28-year-old's innovative spirit was on full display with the introduction of the Rhode Lip Case, a phone case that doubles as a lip gloss holder. But now, it seems Hailey is taking her creativity to new - and some would say, questionable - heights.

In a recent Instagram post, Hailey showcased her latest addition to the Rhode family: the Lemontini Peptide Lip Tint. However, fans were more interested in the accompanying belly chain that has sparked accusations of cultural appropriation. The waist chain, which can be seen in promotional photos of Hailey flaunting her toned physique in a black tube top and matching shorts, has been met with outrage from many.

For those who are unaware, waist beads have a rich history dating back to ancient Egypt and West Africa, while waist chains have their roots in the Indian subcontinent. It's no wonder that many fans felt Hailey's new product was a blatant example of cultural appropriation, with some even accusing her of cashing in on a tradition that is deeply significant to certain communities.

But it's not just the cultural insensitivity that has fans up in arms - it's also the fact that they feel Hailey is milking the concept for all it's worth. The Rhode Lip Case was innovative and smart, but now it seems like she's just phoning it in with unnecessary additions to her line.

"I don't get why she needs to release a belly chain," one fan shared on X (formerly Twitter). "It's not even practical! It looks like something that would hold your lip gloss, but not actually be useful."

Another fan echoed this sentiment: "I loved the phone case at first, but now it feels like just another way for her to make money off of us. This is just consumerism at its finest - and I'm so over it."

Even aside from the controversy surrounding the belly chain, fans couldn't help but notice that Hailey seemed more interested in flaunting her new product than actually showcasing its benefits. The promotional photos were met with eye-rolling and snarky comments from fans who felt Hailey was being insensitive to those who have been accusing her of cultural appropriation.

"It looks like a tampon holder," one fan quipped, while another joked that the belly chain was "the most unnecessary thing ever."

But what about the new lip tint itself? According to the official Rhode account on Instagram, the Lemontini Peptide Lip Tint boasts an improved formula with a smoother texture and more cushion. The Shea butter has been switched from a solid to a liquid form, ensuring it glides on easily and maintains an even texture.

And if you're wondering why this new shade comes with a price tag of $20 (up from the usual $18), the company claims that it's all about quality over quantity. "We took our time researching, experimenting, and testing to find a solution," they explained. "Our biggest upgrade was switching the Shea butter from a solid to a liquid form, ensuring it glides on smoothly and maintains a consistently even texture."

But as fans continue to weigh in on Hailey's latest launch, one thing is clear: love her or hate her, Hailey Bieber is not afraid to take risks and push boundaries - even if they don't always sit well with everyone. Whether you're Team Hailey or just plain tired of seeing her name splashed across your feeds, there's no denying that the model-turned-entrepreneur has a knack for making headlines.

But what do you think, readers? Are Hailey's latest moves an example of innovation and creativity, or is she just getting too comfortable with her fans' money? Share your thoughts in the comments below!