Prince Charles is drawing some major backlash over his decision to assign Katy Perry as the ambassador of his British Asian Trust. The pop superstar's new role was confirmed during a royal dinner in London last Tuesday, Feb. 4. She also announced that she's helping out in Prince Charles' charity on Twitter the following day.
But, some supporters of the British Asian Trust are, apparently, not happy with Prince Charles' choice. According to NBC News, critics said that Perry, a white American, doesn't have ties to the British and Asian communities.
Some say that she also has a history of cultural (mis)appropriation. For instance, during a performance for the American Music Awards, Perry dressed in a geisha ensemble that was criticized for disrespecting the Japanese.
Several Twitter users opposed Perry's appointment by saying that there are many celebrities who would be perfect as ambassadors because they are actually of British Asian heritage. Among them include Zayn Malik, Jameela Jamil and Dev Patel.
Journalist Jasmine Dotiwala also wrote on Twitter that she received a call from the most famous British Asian she knows, who apparently also could not believe that a white American is taking on the ambassador role. She said that the choice propagated a "colonized mindset."
However, some social media users also think that Prince Charles' decision has to do with the royal family staying relevant in the 21st century. Clarence House, the official home of Prince Charles, as well as the British Asian Trust, declined to comment on the controversy.
Prince Charles formed the British Asian Trust in 2007 to fight poverty and child trafficking in South Asia. Perry is expected to work alongside the organization's Children's Protection Fund.
Perry has been exposed to the plight of disadvantaged children as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. She revealed that she has a "magnetic connection" with India and last visited Mumbai in 2019, where she met Prince Charles.
The popular singer said that she was impressed by the Prince of Wales' plan to tackle child trafficking and raise funds to help the children. Hence, she was especially honored when she was asked to become its ambassador.
The British Asian Trust estimated that over 5.8 million children in India alone are engaged in forced labors. The organization also operates in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Aside from Perry, its other ambassadors include the music artist Naughty Boy and broadcast journalist Nihal Arthanayake.
