Pharrell Williams ditched his trademark hat for a feathered Native American headdress on the cover of Elle UK's July issue.
But critics took issue with the magazine's appropriation of the traditional headwear. The cover photo racked up more than 46,000 comments when it was posted to Elle UK's Facebook page.
"A headdress is a serious piece of our culture not a fashion statement," wrote one commenter.
"Appropriated fashion is NOT happy. Understand what it takes to wear this head-dress: lots of integrity, designation as a warrior by your community, spiritual rootedness. Appropriation of a Native 'style" ain't cool, Elle or Pharell!" wrote another.
Williams issued a statement Wednesday apologizing for the cover.
"I respect and honor every kind of race, background and culture," he said. "I am genuinely sorry."