Controversial X Factor finalist Honey G has again responded to accusations of racism and cultural appropriation.

The 35-year-old rapper from Harrow in North-West London – or “North Weezy” as she calls it – has been the major talking point of this year’s series. Some viewers believe she is a serious rapper with rather unusual technique, whereas others think her act is a potentially problematic parody of hip-hop culture.

The Guardian‘s Lola Okolosie recently branded her performance on the show “modern-day blackface”. Twitter users have also described Honey G’s act as “the rape of black culture”.


Honey G's performance on X Factor was the rape of black culture. All jokes aside, cultural appropriation actually upset me on Saturday night — Ben Hurst (@TheRealBenHurst) October 10, 2016

Responding to suggestions she is “mocking” black culture with her performances, Honey G told The Mirror: “This was probably one of the most ridiculous things I have seen so far. Any allegations of me being racist are completely false. All that stuff to do with me attacking black culture is utterly ridiculous.”

“I’ve never said anything racist or behaved in that way. Just because I’m pushing music from a black origin doesn’t mean I’m attacking black culture,” she continued. “I think people are discriminating against me. They are using the race card against me.”

“I feel like they are discriminating against me because I am white,” Honey G added. “It makes me question whether they have a problem with someone rapping who is white. I’m not the only white person in the world who likes black music. There’s no evidence, proof or truth that I am a racist.”


Honey G, whose real name is Anna Georgette Gilford, previously said: “I have been a musician my whole life. I’m a heavyweight producer, I’m not a bedroom producer. I’m the finished article and I’m no different to the likes of Pharrell or Jay-Z. I find it quite insulting that people would think I am a novelty act, but maybe people have a problem with a white woman rapping.”

The controversial reality TV contestant has seen herself accused of being an actress by a member of Little Mix, while also receiving an offer of a duet from Snoop Dogg.

READ MORE: Is ‘The X Factor”s ‘Genuine Urban Artist’ Honey G For Real?

“I will drop whatever I have on to give them an X Factor exclusive and duet with Honey”, Snoop told The Daily Star recently. He encouraged viewers to pick up the phone and vote for Honey G by assuring them that together they could give “a performance like The X Factor ain’t never seen before.”

“I think she’s an actress, I’ve been told she is as well,” Little Mix’s Jesy Nelson said of Honey G on KISS FM recently.

“I don’t think it’s fair that novelty acts get through,” Nelson continued. “I get it in that it becomes a little niche thing and everyone finds it funny, but I just think it’s so unfair when so many incredible people don’t get through.”

Despite the controversy, Honey G reportedly defied a ban from David Bowie’s estate by performing a song on last week’s show which samples his classic Queen collaboration ‘Under Pressure’.