Kenya Moore is now apologizing for the “warrior princess” costume she wore in Sunday’s episode of Atlanta’s real housewives. The 50-year-old reality show star released a statement on Tuesday after facing a negative reaction to the Native American-themed look.
“I sincerely want to apologize for inappropriately using the Native American headdress as a fantasy,” she wrote on social media. “Now I realize that it was disrespectful and insensitive and I never would have done it if I had this knowledge and understanding beforehand. I regret it. When you know better, you do it better. I’m really sorry.”
Moore, who initially defended his Halloween outfit, faced criticism from IllumiNative, the nonprofit organization led by natives focused on increasing the visibility of issues and native voices.
“We are deeply disturbed by the recent episode of Real Atlanta Housewives, in which Kenya Moore wore an American Indian ‘warrior princess’ costume. Costumes that mock native peoples, defame our traditions and cultures and perpetuate negative stereotypes are racist, “a spokesman told Yahoo Entertainment on Tuesday.” ‘Playing Indian’ is a form of mascot that is not just offensive, it is part of a long history of how native peoples were dehumanized. Countless researches show the damage that these images, actions and the normalization of these behaviors have in our youth. We also know that the dehumanization and sexualization of indigenous women contributes to the crisis of murdered and missing indigenous women ”.
The organization blew up those involved with production, from the bottom up.
“We are also extremely concerned that none of the producers or executives at Bravo, Comcast or NBC Universal has intervened, although several cast members commented on how uncomfortable, unnecessary and offensive the suit was on camera,” the statement continued. “The series had several cases of racism and offensive behavior and yet it appears that no training, procedures or standards have been sent to prevent offensive acts, which go against the values that Comcast claims to have. It is important that Bravo, Comcast, NBC Universal, Andy Cohen and Kenya Moore apologize for the harm they have done to the native peoples and commit to ensuring that offensive displays like this never happen again. The natives are not fantasies. “
Moore’s co-stars questioned his look during Sunday’s episode.
“Kenya is a Native American warrior. I thought we wouldn’t do that anymore,” said Porsha Williams, an activist at Black Lives Matter. “Like, I knew this girl was crazy, but add lame to the list, add whack to the list.”
Williams added during the RHOA After Show that Moore’s costume was “cultural appropriation from head to toe”.
When Moore was called on social media, she said in a now excluded tweet that the costume was “part of my #RHOA heritage.”
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