Isreal's Eurovision winner Netta accused of cultural appropriation with Japan-style performance

Sophie Williams13 May 2018

The winner of this year's Eurovision song contest has been accused of cultural appropriation over her Japanese-themed performance.

Netta topped the leader board at the 63rd Eurovision Song Contest with her song Toy.

The singer wore a kimono dress and performed in front of walls covered in Japanese maneki-neko cats.

The performance sparked mixed opinions with one person describing it as "the most textbook cultural appropriation."

While Alex said: "Awake and with a clear mind this morning, I can say: yep Israel's entry was a cultural appropriation sundae, why did we let this garbage win?! Japan is not your costume or your prop setup."

However the song proved to be a hit with some people on Twitter who wrote messages of support for the singer.

Shani wrote: "Netta you're amazing! You were always talented but I'm happy you've finally shown the world how special you are, standing there standing up for everyone who's different, showing all those who stupidly think being different is wrong they are. U R pretty on the inside & the outside."

The singer is a fan of Japanese culture and has previously shared her love of Nintendo franchise Pokemon.

The contest, held at the Altice Arena in Lisbon, Portugal, was closely fought but came down to the wire as Cyprus and Israel waited to see the country with the highest viewer vote total.

Cyprus, who had been favourites to win the contest with Eleni Foureira with Fuego, finished in second place with 436 points.

Israel were awarded 529 points.

When the announcement was made Netta told the crowd: "I'm so happy, thanks for choosing difference, thank you for celebrating diversity."

Britain came 24th place out of 26 with SuRie's performance of Storm. During the performance, a protester stormed the stage.

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