*A special Bob Marley filter on Snapchat in honor of today being Weed Day has been labeled racist, despite having the blessing of Marley’s estate.
The new filter lets users transform themselves into the reggae legend — black skin color and all. The Venice, California-based startup launched the filter on Wednesday, timed for 4/20, which is an unofficial holiday for weed smokers around the world.
According to Variety, some Snapchat and Twitter users were offended that the company reduced Bob Marley to a mascot for cannabis consumption. Many more didn’t appreciate the idea of a filter that changes people’s skin color to being black, with some calling it “digital blackface,” and others wondering how the company could have possibly approved this.
Snapchat snapped back, telling reporters that the filter was created in partnership with the Bob Marley Estate. “Millions of Snapchatters have enjoyed Bob Marley’s music, and we respect his life and achievements,” the company added.
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