Makeup artist transforms into Kobe Bryant, old video leaves the internet divided

The now viral video has divided the internet with many people.

An old video of a makeup artist transforming into basketball legend Kobe Bryant is making the rounds on the internet again. The now-viral video has divided the internet with many people criticizing the woman for blackface, which in theater is a form of makeup used predominantly by non-blacks to portray a caricature of a black person. However, the act is not seen simply as putting on makeup, but also invokes a painful and racist history.

The video was shared by an account with the handle @fbgswiper on Twitter. In the short clip, the woman is seen wearing prosthetic noses and then applying layers of makeup to her skin. She also uses makeup products to recreate her eyebrows, beard, and hair. It was originally posted to TikTok by the makeup artist on her account. She clarified in the publication that it is a tribute to the basketball player and not an imitation, according to users on Twitter.

ain’t no bro pic.twitter.com/exfRFebp66

— . (@fbgswiper) August 18, 2022

However, ever since it was shared, the video has divided the internet.

“This is racism on another level right here,” said one user.

“So disrespectful,” said another person.

A third person said: “They call him blackface because he’s literally blackface.”

However, some people had a different opinion about her makeup skills.

“I call him a talented makeup artist, that’s all I see…we need to stop. Good job,” one person said.

“I feel like she’s just showing her talent in the art of makeup. Blackface is really a reach here…” another user said.

Another said: “It’s literally blackface, but it wasn’t done to demean, defame or dehumanize. To me, it’s in honor of Kobe Bryant. Context matters.”

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