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Photo by Andrew Toth/FilmMagic

Ice-T‘s wife Coco Austin found herself in a social media war zone when she debuted a new hair style on Instagram last week. So what’s the big deal? The 38-year-old mother of one was accused of cultural appropriation for getting cornrows and then dubbing them “Da Coco Swoop”. Watch below.

Let’s be honest here. While there are many examples of cultural appropriation, we’d like to think a white woman with braids is absolutely not one of them.  I know, I know, that’s a sticky subject, especially with so many celebrities and corporations using our likeness for profit and notoriety. But when it comes to hair, it’s fair game. Here’s something to make you think. Most black women aren’t born with red or blonde hair, yet we’ve spent hours in front of the mirror trying to attain a color that isn’t the norm in our culture. Aren’t we now guilty of misappropriation?

Feeling the backlash, Coco took to social media to defend the controversial hairstyle and explain the reason she renamed them.

Does she have a point? Coco’s hubby weighed in on the subject and in case you’re wondering who he’s riding with, read below.

Speaking of the iconic rapper and actor, be sure to tune in to his episode of Unsung, Sunday August 3 on TV One at 10/9pC.

TELL US: Are you offended when white women wear braids and/or locs?

Colorblind: Celebrities Who Married Outside Their Race
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