British media personality Piers Morgan has once again stirred controversy—this time by accusing Beyoncé of “culturally appropriating” Marilyn Monroe in her latest Levi’s ad campaign. The ad, which was unveiled earlier this month, features the superstar in full-on 1950s Hollywood glamour: platinum-blonde curls, winged eyeliner, red lipstick, and denim that harks back to classic Americana. It’s a sleek, stylized homage to a bygone era—and one that Beyoncé executes with unmistakable flair.
Morgan took to X (formerly Twitter) to air his displeasure. “Very disappointed to see Beyoncé culturally appropriate Marilyn Monroe in her new Levi’s ad,” he wrote, alongside a campaign image. It didn’t take long for the social media world to erupt. Fans and commentators alike questioned the premise of his remark—was Monroe really a “culture” that could be appropriated? The backlash was swift and fierce.
Legendary singer Dionne Warwick didn’t hold back either. She reposted Morgan’s comment, firing back with biting sarcasm: “Getting involved in women’s business again, I see…” The shade was deliberate—a reminder that Morgan has often inserted himself into controversies involving prominent women. His claim of cultural appropriation, in the face of such opinion, felt less like critique and more like contrarian performance.
Under mounting pressure, Morgan attempted a quick retreat. He insisted that his comment was nothing more than a joke—a facetious riff cloaked in satire. Later tweets from him leaned into self-deprecation sprinkled with mocking references to “the woke brigade” lacking a sense of humor. But the damage was already done: the joke—intentional or not—had fanned the flames of a much larger debate.
At the heart of the uproar lies a fundamental tension: what separates artistic homage from cultural appropriation? For many, Monroe isn’t a distinct culture but rather a universal pop icon whose style has been emulated and reinvented countless times across gender, race, and nationality. To see Beyoncé channeling that aesthetic is, to some, a celebration of a cinematic legend—not a theft of culture.
Moreover, the whole episode shines a spotlight on inconsistent standards. Critics noted that while Morgan blasted Beyoncé for evoking Monroe’s look, other white celebrities drawing from Black or minority cultures frequently escape similar scrutiny. This disparity—some argue—speaks more to a pattern of racial double standards than anything inherent in Beyoncé’s artistic choices.
Meanwhile, the Levi’s campaign marches on. Far from retreating, it appears to be gaining visibility—perhaps a side effect of the heated discourse it generated. Beyoncé’s ability to spark conversation, even through controversy, underscores her enduring cultural power. The Monroe–Beyoncé debate serves as yet another chapter in her storied career—one that continues to push boundaries, provoke reflection, and fuel the dialogue around art, identity, and representation.
