“It’s delusional”: Alabama Barker responds to cultural appropriation accusations in recent livestream

Alexander Wang Runway Show - Source: Getty
Alexander Wang Runway Show (Image via Getty)

Alabama Barker, daughter of drummer Travis Barker, spoke out during a livestream on July 24, 2025, addressing the criticism from people saying she is “trying to be Black.” The livestream guest was influencer Jordyn Lucas. Lucas asked how Alabama felt about these claims, and her response was calm and clear, rejecting the idea.

Alabama Barker called the accusations “delusional” and painful. She said:

"If people think I’m sitting in my room studying a voice, it’s delusional."

She explained she grew up with mostly Black friends and that her manner and speech are genuine, not a performance. She further said that her childhood was spent on tour with her father, stating:

“My upbringing was rap and rock ’n’ roll. I don’t even know what pop is.”

Alabama Barker talks about her feelings and upbringing

In the livestream, Alabama Barker spoke calmly but openly. She stated that she felt hurt by the accusations and explained that she did not learn a voice or style on purpose. Instead, she said her way of speaking and her looks come from her real life.

She talked about her childhood, saying she had mostly Black friends. At private school, she said that sometimes, she felt out of place. She spent a lot of time travelling with her father. Alabama made it clear that nothing she does is fake. She said she knows who she is, and she doesn't intend to disrespect anyone. She explained that she feels confident in her own skin.

Tommy Hilfiger - Front Row & Backstage - September 2022 New York Fashion Week: The Shows (Image via Getty)
Tommy Hilfiger - Front Row & Backstage - September 2022 New York Fashion Week: The Shows (Image via Getty)

Context and wider debate

Alabama Barker has faced similar criticism before. In the past, people accused her of “blackfishing” for wearing lace‑front wigs, grills, and styling that is often tied to the hip‑hop culture. Some saw it as copying Black styles for attention while others said that she was just showing her real self and being influenced by her friends and tastes.

Alabama Barker stands by her words. Whether people agree or not, she offered her side calmly and directly. As debate unfolds, her statement stands as a case of someone defending their identity without anger or denial.

Edited by Ranjana Sarkar