Padma Lakshmi is accused of 'cultural appropriation' for wearing her hair in cornrows on basketball-themed Top Chef episode

he Bravo host has been accused of cultural appropriation for wearing her hair in cornrows for the episode filmed at the University of Kentucky's basketball arena in Lexington last June. 

She completed the look with a casual white tank top - colloquially known as a 'wife beater' - and silver hoop earrings. 

© Provided by Associated Newspapers Limited  The episode was filmed at the University of Kentucky's basketball arena last June. Lakshmi is pictured in an Instagram post with UK basketball coach John Calipari

When the episode aired on Thursday night, a number of viewers took to social media to express concern over the hairstyle, which has been worn by black women for centuries.

'Padma's hairstylist must have a vendetta against her with theses struggle cornrows,' one woman wrote on Twitter when the episode aired. 

Another tweeted at Lakshmi: 'Your hair is an awful example of cultural appropriation. No, no, no.' 

© Provided by Associated Newspapers Limited

© Provided by Associated Newspapers Limited

© Provided by Associated Newspapers Limited

© Provided by Associated Newspapers Limited Dozens of viewers took to social media to express concern over Lakshmi's cornrows when the episode aired on Thursday night

© Provided by Associated Newspapers Limited

© Provided by Associated Newspapers Limited  Lakshmi came under fire for wearing cornrows on Top Chef two years ago as well

© Provided by Associated Newspapers Limited  Others, like the Twitter user above, pointed out the timeliness of the episode's release given the nation's current race debate over the use of blackface, sparked by a disturbing photo from Virginia Gov Ralph Northam's medical school yearbook

Several viewers questioned the fact that Lakshmi donned the daring look for an episode at a basketball arena.  

'Why did they make Padma get braids for an episode that references basketball??' on Twitter user asked. 

'I don’t know how I feel about Padma rolling into a basketball game with cornrows. I just... whatever,' another wrote. 

© Provided by Associated Newspapers Limited  The India-born TV personality shared the photo above on her Instagram storyOthers pointed out the timeliness of the episode's release given the nation's current race debate over the use of blackface, sparked by a disturbing photo from Virginia Gov Ralph Northam's medical school yearbook.   

One person tweeted: 'Padma Lakshmi in cornrows and a wifebeater at a BASKETBALL ARENA challenge. Is she planning on running for Virginia governor in the future?' 

© Provided by Associated Newspapers Limited  Several viewers questioned the fact that Lakshmi donned the daring look for a basketball-themed episode. The longtime host is seen at the judging table with Tom Colicchio 

This isn't the first time Lakshmi has worn her brunette tresses in cornrows - having done so for a previous episode of Top Chef that aired in February 2017. 

The Indian-born TV personality was criticized for the look on social media in that instance as well, but it appears she didn't learn her lesson.  

A number of other celebrities have been accused of stealing from black culture by putting their hair in cornrows over the years. 

Some of the most recent examples include Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner and Lena Dunham.  

(Source: msn.com)