Katy Perry accused of `culturally insensitive' performance at AMAs

Katy Perry faces a lot of flak on social media for performing 'Unconditionally' at the American Music Awards while dressed as a geisha.

Katy Perry came under a lot of flak on the social media sites for a Japanese-themed performance of 'Unconditionally', which featured her dressed as a Geisha at the American Music Awards.

The 29-year-old wife of Russell Brand opened up the ceremony with, what many described as, a culturally insensitive show at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.

Several fans and viewers expressed their outrage on Twitter and accused her of cultural appropriation, with one user commenting, "This is the performance equivalent of an offensive Halloween costume".

The performance had scores of colorfully clad dancers waving fans, dancing in front of rice-paper screens while drums were played.

HT Image

Katy Perry performs at AMAs.

Perry was the early focal point of the awards show, arriving on the red carpet in a black strapless dress to screams from hundreds of fans. She said before the show she wanted to up her game, given the chance to open, and the whirling stage production was a wash of colors and movements before Perry disappeared in a puff of smoke.