Bruno Mars Addresses Cultural Appropriation Claims

Bruno Mars is speaking out about accusations of cultural appropriation.

The Grammy-winning artist responded to those who have claimed he profits off of black culture in a new Breakfast Club interview alongside “Leave the Door Open” collaborator Anderson .Paak.

Host Charlamagne the God told Bruno, “People love to accuse you of being a cultural thief, which I find interesting because you are a person of color. What would you say to those people?”

“I would say: You can’t look at an interview, you can’t find an interview where I’m not talking about the entertainers that’ve come before me,” Bruno responded. “And the only reason why I’m here is because of James Brown, is because of Prince, Michael [Jackson]—that’s the only reason why I’m here,” Bruno said.

“I’m growing up as a kid, watching Bobby Brown [and] saying, ‘OK, if that’s what it takes to make it, then I’ve got to learn how to do the running man, I’ve got to learn how to do the moon walk.’ That’s it. And this music comes from love, and if you can’t hear that, then I don’t know what to tell you.”

When asked if he’s ever frustrated by the criticism, Bruno replied, “What is the point if us, as musicians, can’t learn from the guys that’ve come before us? What did they do?”

“It comes with the gig,” he continued. “And there’s real merit to what people are saying about Black entertainers not getting their flowers, and I’m championing with that, I’m with that … I understand, but it’s just Twitter.”

Last year it was announced that Bruno is set to star in a new Disney movie featuring original music!