American reality TV celebrity Kim Kardashian stirred controversy during her visit to Mumbai for the wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, when she posted and subsequently deleted a photo featuring herself with a Ganesha idol.
The incident sparked criticism on social media platforms, particularly on Reddit, where users expressed dismay over Kardashian using the Hindu deity as a prop for her photoshoot. The controversy reached a peak when Kardashian removed the photo from her Instagram account after facing significant backlash.
In the now-deleted Instagram post, Kardashian showcased her attire for the Ambani wedding festivities, donning a white and golden Manish Malhotra lehenga and choli. The caption of the post emphasized the lavishness of the event, stating, “Diamonds and pearls for the Ambani wedding.”
Reddit users condemned Kardashian’s actions, with one post criticizing her use of the Ganesha idol as “trashy” and urging cultural sensitivity from guests like Kardashian at high-profile events. Comments on the post ranged from disapproval of her insensitivity to Indian culture to speculations about her motivations for attending such events.
Despite the controversy, Kardashian and her sister Khloe were notable attendees at the multi-day celebrations in Mumbai, where they made statements with their traditional Indian attire. Kim, in particular, sported a glittering red lehenga adorned with sequins, fringe tassels, and intricate beadwork during one of the wedding ceremonies.
The Ambani-Merchant wedding, held from July 12-14, attracted political dignitaries and celebrities from around the globe, highlighting its international significance. The presence of Kardashian and other global celebrities underscored the event’s prominence on the global stage.