Rihanna apologises for use of Islamic Hadith during Savage x Fenty fashion show

The singer was widely criticised on social media for using religious language during her performance
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Kimberley Bond6 October 2020
The Weekender

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Rihanna has issued an apology for the “huge oversight” in which an Islamic Hadith played during the Savage x Fenty fashion show.

The 32-year-old took to Instagram to say how she was “incredibly disheartened” to have used the “unintentionally offensive” music, which featured a remix of an Islamic prayer to a house beat.

The song, titled Doom, was created by London producer CouCou Chloe and uses samples of the Hadith mixed into a house beat, which played as models performed on the catwalk.

Fans of Rihanna voiced their criticism of the star on Twitter, with many saying they were “disappointed” and accusing her of using Islam as an aesthetic.

Rihanna thanked her fans for their forgiveness
@badgalriri

Addressing the controversy on Instagram, the singer, real name Robyn Fenty, wrote: “I’d like to thank the Muslim community for pointing out a huge oversight that was unintentionally offensive in our Savage x Fenty show.

“I would more importantly like to apologize to you for this honest, yet careless mistake. We understand that we have hurt many of our Muslim brothers and sisters, and I’m incredibly disheartened by this!

The fashion show was criticised for its inappropriate use of religious language during a song 
Images courtesy of Savage x Fenty

“I do not play with any kind of disrespect towards God or any religion and therefore the use of the song in our project was completely irresponsible!”

She continued: “Moving forward we will make sure nothing like this ever happens again.

The show has been praised for its wide use of diversity
Images courtesy of Savage x Fenty

“Thank you for your forgiveness and understanding. Rih.”

The Savage x Fenty lingerie show debuted on Amazon Prime Video earlier this month, with the star using a diverse range of models and performers to wear her latest designs.

Rihanna has been praised for using people of all body types and ethnicities in her shows.

While she is best known for her music, the star has shifted towards her ever-expanding beauty and clothing businesses.

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