- Keziah Daum, a senior at Woods Cross High School in Woods Cross, Utah, is facing backlash over her prom dress.
- People are accusing the 18-year-old high school senior of cultural appropriation and racism because she wore a traditional Chinese dress.
- Daum told INSIDER that she didn't intend to be racist and she wore the dress because she liked the way it looks.
There's nothing wrong with wanting your outfit to stand out at prom. Whether you wear a dress that shows off your heroes or your culture, a little bit of creativity can go a long way.
But some people think Keziah Daum, an 18-year-old senior at Woods Cross High School in Woods Cross, Utah, went too far with her prom dress, which was a traditional Chinese cheongsam dress.
Pictures of Daum posing in the dress alongside her friends went viral after she posted them on Twitter on April 22.
—Keziah (@daumkeziah) April 22, 2018Daum told INSIDER that she bought the dress from a thrift store in Salt Lake City, Utah, because she simply liked the way it looked. "I bought the dress because I thought it was beautiful and admired the beauty of the culture," she said.
Although it wasn't her intent, Daum's original post got people talking.
Some people are accusing the teen of appropriating a culture that she's not a part of.
—katana (@bunchukuu) April 27, 2018—Jeremy Lam (@jere_bare) April 27, 2018—.kate. (@holdyourbutts) April 27, 2018—Jeannie (@JeannieBeanie99) April 28, 2018Others said they don't have a problem with the dress.
—Gina 🍓 (@MissGinaDarling) April 28, 2018—LaFawnduh (@Little___Renee) April 29, 2018—bvggedlex (@ALOHALEXI) April 28, 2018But a few people have said they don't take issue with Daum's dress, but the group photo in which her friend posed with their hands together.
Daum said she didn't mean any harm.
"I feel people have seen the photos and others opinions and has viewed them in the wrong way. Making assumptions is something that has definitely caused a lot of this controversy and backlash," she said. "I would like my critics to know that I have no ill intent against other cultures and that I was simply showing my appreciation."
Daum has been vocal on Twitter and has made a point of responding to the criticism. She also addressed the situation in a series of tweets.
—Keziah (@daumkeziah) April 28, 2018—Keziah (@daumkeziah) April 28, 2018—Keziah (@daumkeziah) April 28, 2018She told INSIDER: "I hope everyone will be able to understand that I never intended any form racism. I love everyone. And I am going to stand my ground."
It's unclear if Wood Cross High School has addressed the situation. Representatives for the school didn't immediately return INSIDER's request for comment.
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