Music legend Dionne Warwick quickly came to Beyoncé’s defense after British commentator Piers Morgan accused the superstar of “culturally appropriating Marilyn Monroe” in her new Levi’s ad campaign.
The ad features Beyoncé styled in double denim, platinum blond curls and bold red lipstick—echoing the iconic Hollywood glamour of Monroe. Morgan posted the campaign image on X on August 6, writing, “Very disappointed to see Beyoncé culturally appropriate Marilyn Monroe in her new Levi’s ad.”
Quick Support from Warwick
Warwick, never one to mince words, retweeted Morgan’s message and added a pointed response: “Getting involved in women’s business again, I see…” Her remark swiftly resonated across social media, drawing praise from fans and sparking viral debate.
Morgan soon attempted to lighten the mood by insisting the post was a jest. “Oh not you too, Dionne… it was a JOKE!” he replied. He followed with another comment: “I would say I can’t believe anyone took my obvious Beyoncé joke post seriously… but I forgot the woke brigade have zero sense of humour.”
Online reactions were sharply divided. Many criticized Morgan for accusing a Black artist of cultural appropriation when Monroe’s image itself evokes longstanding mainstream ideals. Some pointed out, Monroe was hardly a cultural symbol in the deeper sense Morgan implied.
So far, neither Beyoncé nor Levi’s has issued an official statement on the controversy or confirmed whether the campaign intentionally nodded to Monroe’s legacy.