Selena Gomez Practicing Hinduism?? Bindi Accessory Stirs Controversy
The tween pop star has been something of a role model to young girls as well as one the most up and coming stars of today. But now, is she practicing Hinduism. During the MTV Movie Awards on Sunday night, the 20-year-old Selena Gomez performed her new single, Come and Get It, sporting some very interesting new jewelry. She performed wearing a Hindi religious garb on her forehead, called a bindi.
Additionally she was seen wearing the jewels again this past Tuesday night, during an episode of ABC's Dancing With The Stars. Some could even argue that two times is no big deal, especially during a musical performance, as a lot of pop stars don some very unusual attire during live performances. However, she was seen a third time wearing the bindi on the Ellen DeGeneres Show that aired Tuesday.
Gomez is of Mexican descent on her father's side and Italian descent on her mother's side. So, naturally, some confusion will arise as to why Selena Gomez has chosen to wear a symbol of Hindu background.
"The bindi on the forehead is an ancient tradition in Hinduism and has religious significance," Rajan Zed, a spokesperson for the Hindu religion in the U.S. said in a statement issued Monday. "It is also sometimes referred to as the third eye and the flame, and it is an auspicious religious and spiritual symbol ... It is not meant to be thrown around loosely for seductive effects or as a fashion accessory aiming at mercantile greed. Selena should apologize and then she should get acquainted with the basics of world religions."
An apology has yet to be voiced from Gomez or any of her reps. It would seem that the former Wizards of Waverly Place star is strictly wearing the bindi as a fashion accessory, which is heavily frowned upon in the world of Hinduism.
Gomez is not the first performer to be seen wearing this religious symbol. Katy Perry, Gwen Stefani and Miley Cyrus are just some performers that have worn a bindi in the past. Despite the controversy, it doesn't appear that Selena will back down from being told what not to wear on stage during her performances.
