Snapchat Suffers Blackface Uproar

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An effort by Snapchat to honor Bob Marley on Wednesday, referred to by some as National Weed Day, backfired when the company was swamped by accusations of racial insensitivity.

With the permission of Bob Marley’s estate, Snapchat launched a special effect that overlaid users’ pictures with a Jamaican-styled beanie, dreadlocks, and dark-colored skin.

Many users took to social media to vent their outrage over the Marley filter, likening it to a sort of digital blackface that ignores his other contributions to music and culture. Here are some reactions from Twitter:

For its part, the Venice company insisted that the special effect was created only with good intentions.

“The lens we launched today was created in partnership with the Bob Marley estate, and gives people a new way to share their appreciation for Bob Marley and his music,” said a spokesman. “Millions of Snapchatters have enjoyed Bob Marley’s music, and we respect his life and achievements.”

Technology reporter Garrett Reim can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @garrettreim for the latest in L.A. tech news.

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