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'Toy' scored 529 points, earning Israel the win

Israel’s Netta Barzilai has been accused of cultural appropriation for her Japanese themed song that won Eurovision 2018.

As reported by the Independent, Eurovision 2018 winner Netta Barzilai has been criticised for cultural apportion.

Netta, who represented Israel on the night, won the competition with 529 points.

During her performance, Netta was seen in a traditional kimono dress with her hair in two buns in front of maneki-neko waving cat figurines.

Netta is a fan of Japanese culture and particularly loves Pokemon. “Bulbasaur because he’s sassy and he’s a good friend and his vines would help me reach whatever I want,” she told The Independent.

“Also, Jigglypuff as he can sing and that could help me to sleep, as I’m having trouble sleeping because I’m over excited about everything that’s happening,” she added. “Also he paints on peoples faces when they’re asleep which I’ve done too. Finally… Snorlax. He’s fat and amazing.”

Nonetheless, Twitter users showed no mercy in their criticism of Netta’s “cultural appropriation”.

“Can I, however, ask if anyone here has already commented on the quite shocking Japanese cultural bastardisation-appropriation going on in Netta’s song?” one user wrote.

“Netta: “Celebrating diversity” – you do know that cultural appropriation is not diversity, right? “ wrote another.

“WHY is no one talking about the cultural appropriation in Netta’s performance? That was not cool at all. ,” tweeted another user.

However, some defended the Israeli singer. “I’m just going to say this: I voted for Netta; it’s a great song by a geeky girl,” one user wrote. “And unusual. I didn’t see any cultural appropriation – if you did, fine. I didn’t and I voted for the song. It’s a music competition!

“Its not cultural appropriation as long as it is done with admiration of the culture,” said another. “Netta has said that she chose this theme because it is something that she really loves a lot and she wants to promote it. Context matters!”