The Most Controversial Outfits Ever Worn by Celebrities
Picking a red carpet look can't be easy—from the countless eyes that will see you to making sure you know exactly the statement you want to make. But, some of Hollywood's biggest heavyweights know how to push the boundaries, often using the red carpet as a means of making a political statement, while others use it to purposely deliver home a point.
But, of course, with those said statements comes its fair share of controversy. Below we've rounded up some of the most controversial (both purposeful and unintentional) outfits of all time. Scroll down to read the stories behind each look.
Katy Perry Performing at the AMA's, 2013
After performing at the American Music Awards, Katy Perry received criticism for wearing a kimono with many calling it "racist". One Twitter user wrote, "Loved the cultural authenticity of Katy Perry's #AMAs performance. She nailed the traditionally ignorant costume of a white pop singer." She later apologised, saying: “I didn't know that I did it wrong until I heard people saying that I did it wrong. It takes someone to say, out of compassion, out of love, 'Hey, this is what the origin is'.”
Nicki Minaj at the Grammy Awards, 2012
Rapper Nicki Minaj's outfit at the 2012 Grammy's was accused of being incredibly offensive, especially her "prop Priest". Rife with religious symbolism, the performance was a means to introduce Minaj's alter-ego, Roman Zolanski. Explaining her look and performance, Minaj said the rendition of her songs Roman's Revenge and Roman Holiday (which included dancing priests, an exorcism and levitation) was just part of a "movie" she was writing.
“You know how people write plays and movies? That’s what I did. I wrote that and I gave the world a tiny little preview of what was to come," she said at the time. "And so I have to perform it on the set in which it would be in the movie, right?”
Miley Cyrus at the VMAs, 2015
No stranger to a controversial get-up, Miley Cyrus opted for a barely-there custom Versace outfit for the VMA's in 2015. It was not her only outfit that night to cause controversy, wearing several gowns that left little to the imagination.
Björk at the Oscars, 2001
Björk's iconic swan dress was the most talked about outfit at the 2001 Oscars, thanks to its "wacky/shock value. The outfit was quickly branded the year's "fashion faux pas"
Karlie Kloss at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, 2012
When walking down the Victoria's Secret runway in 2012, Karlie Kloss was adorned in a feather headdress and traditional Native American patterns. The look quickly drew controversy and Victoria Secret not only apologised, but removed the outfit from its televised broadcast. “I am deeply sorry if what I wore during the VS Show offended anyone. I support VS’s decision to remove the outfit from the broadcast," Kloss responded.
Rose McGowan at the MTV VMAs, 1998
When Rose McGowan arrived at the MTV VMA's in 1998 with then boyfriend Marilyn Manson in nothing but a chains, many people were shocked. The actress later explained the meaning behind her controversial choice, stating: “That was my first public appearance after being sexually assaulted. I was like, ‘Is this what you want?’” McGowan explained in an interview with Dr. Oz. “I’ve never worn something like that before or since. That was a political statement. Of course, there was no Twitter at the time or Instagram, no way to speak for yourself.”