Tinashe Slammed For Saying Black Community Won't 'Fully Accept' Her Over Light Skin

UPDATE: Tinashe has tweeted some responses to all of this backlash. Read her tweets below.

Tinashe is under fire after suggesting in an interview that she’s not more accepted in the black music community because she is too light-skinned and not dark enough. Now a number of Twitter users are reacting to her comments.

In an article from The Guardian that was published on Monday, it’s stated Tinashe’s “career has unquestionably stalled,” and she acknowledges, “Things haven’t always gone according to my original plan.” As the piece goes on, she takes issue with fan factions, and the notion that you can’t support two female artists. “There are hundreds of [male] rappers that all look the same, that sound the same, but if you’re a black woman, you’re either Beyoncé or Rihanna. It’s very, very strange,” the singer is quoted as saying.

Tinashe, who is biracial, further says, “There’s colorism involved in the black community, which is very apparent. It’s about trying to find a balance where I’m a mixed woman, and sometimes I feel like I don’t fully fit into the black community; they don’t fully accept me, even though I see myself as a black woman. That disconnect is confusing sometimes. I am what I am.”

But many on Twitter are objecting to her remarks, to the point where “Tinashe” has become a trending topic on Twitter. Most of the comments are negative, with tweets accusing the songstress of simply not being talented enough. @Prettyy_THICK, for instance, bluntly posted, “Dear Tinashe, It’s not a colorism issue. That fact is, we just don’t see it for u sis. Sincerely, Everybody.”

“Tinashe not getting sympathy. being light skinned is an advantage in entertainment. Don’t blame the black community, blame your management,” said @PrinceHAK33M. @cook2020 wrote, “Maybe the reason Tinashe isn’t popping like that is because she hasn’t shown the ability to cross over & produce a world wide chart topper. @CandyceRox commented, “Colorism is def a thing but the way colorism works, Tinashe SHOULD be winning. But her music really isn’t that good so…”

Others, however, expressed understanding of the performer’s point. “I don’t get why yall try Tinashe, why yall hate her, girlie is a performer, a singer, an artist, we need more of that in this economy,” tweeted @artisticbey. @mannyjay_ asked, “Why do people feel like Tinashe has no place to speak on colorism bc she’s mixed lightskin? colorism negatively affects EVERYBODY.” And @OwenLauer insisted, “Tinashe isn’t wrong. The general public / industry doesn’t allow many woman of color to shine in the industry.”

So far, Tinashe has not responded to the backlash. Gossip Cop will update if she does.

Photo: Getty Images