I guess all isn’t fair in love and music.
On Sunday, April 14th, Selena Gomez took the stage at the 2013 MTV Movie Awards show to perform her new single “Come and Get It”. The song definitely caught me by surprise when I first heard it last week, with its Bollywood vibe. I can’t say it isn’t a catchy tune.
However, her performance that night stirred up much controversy in the Hindu community. Unfortunately Selena Gomez’s wearing of the Bindi, a traditional Hindu forehead decoration, is not sitting well with them.

“The bindi on the forehead is an ancient tradition in Hinduism and has religious significance. 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. Selena should apologize and then she should get acquainted with the basics of world religions,” said Rajan Zed, leader of the Universal Society of Hinduism in an E! News article about the controversy. They’re demanding an apology from Selena Gomez.
A little harsh there, no?
I don’t necessarily think Selena did anything wrong. It’s art, and it should be appreciated for what it is. I’m sure she meant no harm in wearing the Bindi for her performance.
I personally would not have worn a Bindi for that kind of performance only because of my paranoia that something like this would happen. Instead, I’d wear some kind of Indian forehead jewelry. But then again, they might say something negative about that too.
Not to worry though. Britney Spears has her back. She wrote on Twitter:
“Wow @SelenaGomez… “Come & Get It” on the #mtvmovieawards was incredible! One of my favorite songs out there right now!”
A fan commented on the E! News article “Selena Gomez Bindi Controversy: Hindu Group Offended by Singer’s Forehead Decoration at MTV Movie Awards”,
A good point is being made here. I don’t see any Catholics pointing figures at people who wear the Rosary and aren’t even of the Catholic faith. The Hindu community should seriously calm down about Selena!
Selena Gomez has not yet responded to the controversy.
In the mean time, check out the performance that started this mess!
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