Pharrell's Elle of a row
Pharrell Williams has apologised to the Native American community for wearing a traditional feathered headdress on the cover of British Elle magazine.
It has caused an online backlash among fans who took offence at the image, even though the singer has claimed to have Native American ancestry.
One annoyed Twitter user wrote: "Pharrell . . . why?! NotHappy with Ellemagazine for the appropriation of this headdress." Another added: "Urgh. Why does the fashion industry insist on turning sacred cultural items into fashion props?"
The criticism prompted Williams to speak out. "I respect and honour every kind of race, background and culture. I am genuinely sorry," he said in a statement.
The traditional headdress was a change of style for Williams, who has become known of late for wearing oversized Vivienne Westwood-designed hats.
The superstar debuted the bizarre look at the Grammy Awards in January.
