Beyoncé's Levi's Ad Sparks Controversy: Piers Morgan Accused of Cultural Appropriation

On August 6, 2025, broadcaster Piers Morgan found himself at the center of a social media storm for his comments on Beyoncé's latest advertisement campaign for a leading denim brand. Morgan suggested the singer was "culturally appropriating Marilyn Monroe" concerning her iconic style in the ad, which quickly drew a flood of criticism from the Beyhive, Beyoncé's devoted fanbase.

In the ad, Beyoncé channels a classic Old Hollywood aesthetic, complete with platinum blonde hair, red lipstick, and winged eyeliner - a signature look often associated with Marilyn Monroe. While many saw it as a stylish homage, Morgan's comment framed it as cultural appropriation. However, this accusation was quickly dismissed by fans who argued that Monroe's look is a universally celebrated pop culture aesthetic, not a protected cultural identity.

Facing the wave of negative attention, Morgan doubled down in a follow-up tweet, claiming his original post was a joke. "I would say I can't believe anyone took my obvious Beyoncé joke post seriously, but I forgot the woke brigade have no sense of humor," he wrote. This defense, however, did little to quell the outrage, with many social media users calling the "joke" a transparent attempt to deflect from his original, inflammatory statement.

This is not the first time Morgan has clashed with the Beyhive. In October 2024, he was forced to issue an on-air apology to Beyoncé and her husband, JAY-Z, after airing unverified abuse allegations on his show. As Beyoncé's Levi's campaign continues to draw attention and fuel conversations about celebrity influence and cultural expression, Morgan's latest controversy serves as another example of his often confrontational relationship with the music icon's powerful fanbase.