Gomez’s Headgear Gets Hindus Riled Up

Selena Gomez caused quite a stir at the 2013 MTV Movie Awards but it wasn’t because of who she brought as her date or the dress she wore or even the new song, “Come & Get It,” that she premiered on the show. Instead, Justin Bieber’s ex got people all riled up over an accessory she wore on her forehead. Selena accentuated her fiery red dress with a bindi, a traditional Hindu forehead decoration that has religious significance. Now she’s coming under fire from the Hindu community asking her to apologize for what they see as trivializing a part of their culture. “It is sometimes referred to as the third eye and the flame, and it is an auspicious religious and spiritual symbol,” explained Rajan Zed, leader of the Universal Society of Hinduism. “It is not meant to be thrown around loosely for seductive effects or as a fashion accessory aiming at mercantile greed.” Harsh. So far Selena’s camp hasn’t issued any sort of statement or apology, but she did perform with the bindi a second time—this time on Ellen. We’ll have to see if she keeps it or gives in to the pressure to drop the look.