Jamaican Broadcaster Under Fire After Saying Rihanna’s Dress Was “Inappropriate”
Jamaicans and several Dancehall artists are not taking too kindly to criticisms made by veteran broadcaster and cultural commentator Fae Ellington about the Right Excellent Robyn ‘Rihanna’ Fenty, who was made a National Hero by Barbados on Wednesday.
Ellington told the Weekend Star that “it was most inappropriate,” referring to the Fenty Beauty founder’s $2,700 orange Bottega Veneta halter dress—with an open back and no appearance of a bra—which she wore to Barbados’ Republic Ceremony, held in Bridgetown on Tuesday.
“All her boobs were just jumping up and down in the frock,” Ellington crassly stated.
The former news anchor speculated as to whether Rihanna was aware of her National Honor, prior to turning up at the Republic ceremony. “She may not have known that the announcement was going to be made, that she was going to be given the high honour of National Hero. But at the same time, going into a function like that, that was inappropriate. I know she is pop culture and all of that, but there is a time and place for everything,” she said.
Dancehall hitmaker Cham, formerly Baby Cham, wrote in an Instagram comment, “Fae Guh Mind Yu Own Business!!!”
Several other people joined on Twitter to condemn Miss Ellington’s comments, with one person saying, “No disrespect but who asked? That’s why Jamaica is Jamaica”
Another said, “and this is the reason why we will never be a republic…people like them here weh think dem too bright”.
One of Ellington’s supporters wrote, “Aunti Fae never told a lie”.
Heads High deejay Mr. Vegas penned a lengthy Instagram post, declaring that Rihanna’s dress was “a symbol of the African queen who will no longer bow to the European queen.”
“The dress without sleeves was deliberate. This style of dressing was forbidden in places, such as places of worship, courthouses, etc,” he added. “The color of the dress represents the earth where the African woman comes from, and a testament that everyone came from the black woman.”
“The breast without bra signifies birth (birth of a nation), and we will no longer feed your children. Her hair (locks) represents the serpent (wisdom, electricity, strength).”
“Hold that inna unu face oppressors and black overseers,” he continued. “All now Jamaica nuh mek Bob Marley national hero because he had too many kids out of wedlock and smoke weed. Yet still, they use him to sell the island to tourists.”
In response to the backlash coming from Jamaicans, Ellington cheekily tweeted yesterday, “There are people in the social media space who believe that only their views matter. Dissenting views won’t let me cower.”
“By the way, I hear that, starting at midnight, all TV News anchors, programme presenters & reporters will be discarding most of their wardrobe,” she added.
There are people in the social media space who believe that only their views matter. Dissenting views won't let me cower.
By the way, I hear that, starting at midnight, all TV News anchors, programme presenters & reporters will be discarding most of their wardrobe.
— Fae A. Ellington CD 🇯🇲 (@FaeEllington) December 4, 2021
Ever the one to highlight protocol mishaps or comment on traditions and appropriateness, in 2017, Fae Ellington took Dancehall singer Ishawna to task for her comments on the Bandana, insisting that Jamaicans need to be re-educated on the significance of the national fabric, per the Jamaica Gleaner.
Ishawna had posted a risque picture on Instagram with the caption “Mi nuh dress inna tablecloth like Miss Lou. #RipMissLou”
The broadcaster joined a legion of critics who slammed Ishawna. “I believe that popularity can make monsters out of some of us and when that is coupled with ignorance, it can make you utter complete nonsense. Because you are popular does not mean you are informed. She has no idea that it is the national fabric and something should be done about our young people who are influential to others. To take step and liberty of Miss Lou, a national icon that made the Jamaica patios that you are using, acceptable both locally and internationally, is a disgrace. You should be ashamed of yourself,” she had said.
She further told the Jamaica Gleaner, “It (The Bandana) distinguishes me as a Jamaican who feels proud about my Jamaicaness. It’s a beautiful fabric and it can be worn from casual right up to gown for formal occasions.”
Rihanna was awarded National Hero Of Barbados on the day the country abandoned the Queen, for its own Head of State. She stepped out in another formal look on Wednesday, when she was formally given the new title, wearing a white mini dress coupled with a blazer and strappy heels.
In addition to her success in music, Rihanna founded the Fenty makeup and beauty brand and was officially titled a Billionaire by Forbes earlier this year.
As one of the most successful artists in the world, the Barbadian is the first and only Caribbean artist, to hold the Icon Award from the American Music Awards, the Michael Jackson Vanguard Award by MTV, and The Harvard University Humanitarian Of The Year Award.