Jess Hardiman
Oscar nominee Tems has broken her silence after being slammed for her ‘rude’ outfit at the ceremony on Sunday (12 March), with many viewers saying it blocked people’s view.
Nigerian singer Tems, whose real name is Temilade Openiyi, was nominated for Best Original Song at this year’s big bash, having received the nod for ‘Life Me Up’, the song she co-wrote with Rihanna for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
The award ended up going to Kaala Bhairava and Rahul Sipligunj for ‘Naatu Naatu’ from RRR, but that didn’t stop Tems becoming a huge talking point of the evening.
The 'Vibe Out' hitmaker stunned fans with a puffy dress crafted by LA-based fashion designer Lessja Verlingieri of Lever Couture. But while Tems' look turned heads before the ceremony started, it also broke some necks once guests took their seats.
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Her dress was paired with a matching headpiece that was so large that it seemed to block the view for those sitting behind her, prompting social media users to criticise the outfit choice online, with some saying it was ‘rude’.
Others, meanwhile, simply felt the dress was ‘gorgeous’, presumably supporting the school of thought that the Oscars usually means you have to go hard, or go home.
Tems now appears to have addressed the backlash on Instagram, as she posted photos of herself posing in the incredible, lavish gown.
She simply wrote: “Uh Ohh!”
Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar ahead of the event, Tems also admitted she knew it was a statement piece, having wanted to ‘go all out’ for her first Oscars ceremony.
“Two years ago, I would’ve said no to this dress,” she said.
“But it’s my first Oscars - I am going to go all out. I really wanted to make the most of the day.
“The dress is also my way of celebrating my work and the people around me, celebrating my country, and celebrating the people that are rooting for me. This dress says ‘Yes, yes, I am here!’”
When asked what her recent achievements meant to her, Tems added: “If the biggest women in the world love my work to such an extent that they are working with me, then that must say something. My work is actually reaching places, it’s making some type of impact.
“And that is insane! I really am just trying to keep my feet on the ground and continue running and doing things that are a hundred per cent authentic to me. Evolving, learning, growing. It’s just the beginning for me."