Amelia Hamlin responded to accusations of "blackfishing" after a series of photos she shared on social media sparked controversy.
On Feb. 25, the model shared a series of photos of herself to Instagram. In the pics, she is wearing her hair in a long thin braid, and her skin tone appears several shades darker than in her other recent photos. She captioned the post, "whiplash got me like...."
Though the 19 year old's comments are now turned off for this post, she took to her Instagram Story to share that she received negative comments about the photos, which accused her of "blackfishing." The term "blackfishing" refers to when non-Black individuals use hair or makeup to create the look of certain features that make them look Black or more racially ambiguous. In this case, it was Amelia's darkened complexion that made some question her intentions.
The star, who is dating Scott Disick, wrote on her Story, "im receiving a lot of comments in regards to my latest photo. I am being told that I am 'black fishing' – thank you all for educating me on this topic. I recently went on vacation in the sun, and with my Italian heritage I tan very easily."
She continued, "There is no self tanner involved. Or intention of looking darker than my own natural skin color. I had a lot of fun creating this look with no malice intention or offense."
Blackfishing is part of a larger conversation around how Black culture is often appropriated by non-Black individuals. Other stars who have been accused of using Black culture as a fashion statement include Rita Ora and rapper Bhad Bhabie.
This isn't the only time this month Amelia's posts have stirred controversy. Amelia's mother Lisa Rinna clapped back at haters in the Instagram comments of Amelia's recent lingerie shoot. After one commenter called the pictures "disgusting," the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star wrote back, "What is wrong with you? This is my child."