Snapchat Blackface Filter For 4/20 Sparks Outrage On Social Media

The Bob Marley filter Snapchat implemented for 4/20 has been the subject of some sharp criticism on social media, with users calling the novelty filter a form of blackface. Blackface was a major, and racist, part of American entertainment during the early 20th century, with white performers covering their face in makeup to ridicule black people, and, in the process, creating stereotypes that proliferate to this day.

Wired reached out to Snapchat about the issue, and reports that a spokesperson for the company said that, “The lens we launched today was created in partnership with the Bob Marley Estate, and gives people a new way to share their appreciation for Bob Marley and his music. Millions of Snapchatters have enjoyed Bob Marley’s music, and we respect his life and achievements.”

This is the first time that Snapchat has been the subject of bad press in quite some time — ever since the millennial-associated company escaped their sexting app stigma — and this double-down response from the company’s public relations department is troubling.

Snapchat has not pulled the filter yet, but hopefully the racially and culturally insensitive gimmick will disappear by April 21. In the meantime, feel free to take to social media to tell Snapchat what you think of the filter.