Though her performance wowed devoted fans, it seems some religious leaders were less than impressed by Selena Gomez’ outfit.
The 20-year-old singer has been asked to issue an apology for donning a red bindi, an ornament sacred to Hindu religion, as she performed her new single Come And Get It at the MTV Movie Awards in Los Angeles on Saturday night.
Rajan Zed, leader of the Universal Society of Hinduism, told WENN via MSN that ‘Selena should apologize and then she should get acquainted with the basics of world religions’ as he discussed why Selena’s wardrobe choices were offensive.
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Culturally insensitive? Selena Gomez wore a red bindi as she performed her new single Come And Get It at the MTV Movie Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night, causing quite the uproar from religious groups
The Spring Breakers star wore a sparkling shredded red dress, which she teamed with chunky gold jewellery, dark makeup and tousled locks… and the red bindi.
Somewhat ironically, the pop star had told MTV News prior to the show that ‘The whole record kind of has a world feel to it in a way’.
But Zed explained that ‘The bindi on the forehead is an ancient tradition in Hinduism and has religious significance’.
Barefoot and beautiful: Selena put her all into the performance, with a tight, choreographed dance routine alongside the track
He said, ‘It is also sometimes referred to as the third eye and the flame, and it is an auspicious religious and spiritual symbol’.
‘It is not meant to be thrown around loosely for seductive effects or as a fashion accessory aiming at mercantile greed,” the religious leader added.
Twitter and other social media platforms have been flooded with various opinions on the Come And Get It singer’s controversial thematic choice.
Red hot – or not? Selena dazzled in her red fringed dress but it was the red bindi that really caused a stir
Despite the uproar, there has not yet been an official statement or apology from the Disney star.
Whether or not Selena will apologize or even engage in the debate is yet to be known, as she continues to interact on her Twitter account as though nothing happened.
Apparently not deterred by being labeled as culturally insensitive, the pop star wore the red bindi yet again on Tuesday for her performance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Others had nothing but praise for the performance, with some of the singer’s very own idols tweeting their appreciation.
Selena had previously named Britney Spears’ performance of I’m A Slave 4 U as her favorite: ‘I thought it was super-iconic, and she owned that stage. The routine was impeccable.’
Selena must surely have been chuffed when Britney herself tweeted: ‘Wow @SelenaGomez… ‘Come & Get It’ on the #mtvmovieawards was incredible! One of my favorite songs out there right now!’
Taking to the stage: Selena was joined by a group of female dancers for the highly-anticipated performance
What will she have to say? The stunning Disney star is yet to comment on the saga
Earlier, Selena cut a stylish figure as she posed up on the red carpet outside Sony Picture Studios in Culver City.
She opted for a gold fringed Julien Macdonald minidress, paired with sky-high metallic heels and a fishtail plait before heading inside to the ceremony.
Leggy lady: Earlier, Selena had cut a 𝓈ℯ𝓍y appearance on the red carpet in a gold minidress by Julien McDonald
