Celebrity

Ice Spice’s Betty Boop Halloween Costume Sparks Outrage

Ice Spice’s Betty Boop Halloween Costime was a homage to a legendary cartoon character.

Published October 30, 2023

Halloween is just around the corner, and people are buzzing about their costumes, especially the celebrities. One costume that has caused quite a stir online is Ice Spice’s Betty Boop costume. The “In Ha Mood” artist sported a red dress and had her hair in a black “bob,” according to her Instagram post. She even took the look centerstage when she performed at Power 105.1’s Powerhouse show on Saturday (Oct. 28) in Newark, NJ.

So far, online observers have taken issue with Spice rocking the Betty Boop costume onstage, as its short hemline resulted in the rapper’s backside being exposed.

Ice Spice's Betty Boop Halloween Costume Sparks Outrage — Instagram

“Idc what anybody says, this is not cute or ladylike at all,” wrote one social media user on Instagram about the Betty Boop costume, with another saying, “When the music is pure [trash can emoji] and the bars are beyond mediocre, THIS is the last resort.” Nikki D, the first female rapper signed to Def Jam Records, called Betty out in what she deems the “prostitute era” of hip-hop. “Oh, come TF on!!! You mean to tell me, this is true talent.. the female genre of hip hop today is the ‘prostitution era’, fight me!” said the legend.

But what are the origins of Halloween traditions, and why do we dress up? The tradition of dressing up for Halloween goes back centuries, with roots in ancient Celtic cultures. Back then, people believed that on the night of Samhain, the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred, and spirits roamed the earth. To ward off these spirits, people would dress up in frightening costumes and carve eerie faces into turnips or beets, creating the original Jack-o’-lanterns. Irish immigrants brought this tradition to America, where pumpkins were readily available, giving rise to the iconic pumpkin carvings we know today.

Speaking of Jack-o’-lanterns, did you know that the name comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack? According to the story, Jack tricked the Devil multiple times and was condemned to wander between heaven and hell. He carried a lantern made from a carved-out turnip with burning coal inside, hence the name “Jack O’Lantern.” This tale not only explains the origins of the term but also adds a spooky touch to the Halloween tradition. Every year, famous personalities surprise us with their creative and sometimes controversial outfits.

This year, Ice Spice made headlines with her daring Betty Boop costume, which revealed more than a little skin. While some praised her boldness, others criticized it for being too revealing. But isn’t Halloween all about pushing boundaries and expressing yourself in unique ways? Ice Spice is not the only celebrity to make waves with her Halloween costume. Adele, the renowned singer, also caught the attention of fans and the media with her stunning transformation into a mystical woodland fairy.

FAQs

What is the origin of Jack-o’-lanterns?

According to Irish folklore, the tradition of carving turnips or beets with scary faces and placing a light inside them originated from the tale of Stingy Jack, a man who tricked the Devil and was left wandering with a turnip lantern.

Why do people dress up for Halloween?

Dressing up for Halloween has its roots in ancient Celtic cultures, where people believed that wearing costumes would scare away evil spirits that roamed the earth on the night of Samhain.

What are some popular celebrity Halloween costumes in 2023?

Ice Spice caused a stir online with her controversial Betty Boop costume, while Adele wowed fans with her transformation into a mystical woodland fairy.

Why was Ice Spice’s Betty Boop costume controversial?

Ice Spice’s Betty Boop costume received mixed reactions due to its revealing nature. Some praised her boldness, while others criticized it for being too provocative.

How did Halloween traditions spread to the United States?

Irish immigrants brought their Halloween traditions, including Jack-o’-lanterns, to America. Pumpkins, which were readily available, replaced turnips and beets as the preferred carving materials.