'Cultural appropriation is NEVER okay!' Heidi Klum faces racism backlash over Native American-themed photo shoot with models in 'redface'

Heidi Klum has been accused of racism and 'cultural appropriation' for promoting a photo shoot in which models dress up in Native American-inspired outfits and headdresses.

The Project Runway hostess, 40, shared a series of the images on her Facebook page, explaining that they're from a shoot with the contestants from Germany's Next Top Model.

But many have taken issue with the theme behind the photos, calling the shoot 'racist', 'culturally insulting' and 'disrespectful'.

Backlash: Heidi Klum has been accused of racism and 'cultural appropriation' for a photo shoot in which models dress up in Native American-inspired outfits and headdresses

Bad judgement? The Project Runway hostess, 40, shared a series of the images on her Facebook page, explaining that they're from a shoot with the contestants from Germany's Next Top Model

In one of the images, which were all shot in Utah, a model poses in a grassy plain wearing a feather headdress and boots. 

A close-up of another model shows her wearing paint on her face that is supposed to look like that of a Native.

Some of the models pose alongside horses, some strut their stuff next to a tepee and others brandish weapons like spears and arrows.

The photos have drawn furious criticism from hundreds of Ms Klum's Facebook followers, including those with Native American ancestry.

Close-up: One photo is of a model wearing paint on her face that is supposed to look like that of a Native

Stereotypes: Some of the models pose alongside horses, while others strut their stuff next to a tepee

Tasteless: Klum can certainly relate after being accused of racism and cultural appropriation for last month's 'red-faced' Native American photo shoot on Germany's Next Topmodel

'As a Native American woman, I am disgusted,' wrote one commenter. 'It's not an "honor," it's a disgrace.'

Another woman pointed out not only its tastelessness, but also its cultural inaccuracy. 'War bonnets are not for women, and certainly not a white, German woman,' she said of the headdress worn in one photo.

'Not only do I find these photos sickening and infuriating, but I feel the ignorance of the followers of Heidi Klum are taking our progress away from discrimination and stereotypes many steps backwards.'

Shameful: 'As a Native American woman, I am disgusted,' wrote another. 'It's not an "honor," it's a disgrace'

Harmless: Others were quick to jump to the mother-of-four's defense. 'This is called artistic license,' said one fan

Unspoken: The supermodel has yet to issue a statement regarding the photos

Another angered critic wrote: 'Disappointing. Cultural appropriation and redface are never okay.'

Others, however, were quick to jump to the mother-of-four's defense. 'When are people going to stop screaming about racial appropriation and accept that someone of one culture may enjoy another culture and want to emulate it?' asked one person.

Another wrote: 'Seems to me that these are very artistic pictures. This is called artistic license and is perfectly acceptable. I suppose that you may find fault in anything and perhaps everything.'

The supermodel has yet to issue a statement regarding the photos.

Read more:

• Heidi Klum - Facebook

(Source: dailymail.co.uk)