JoJo Siwa is the latest celebrity to get called out for allegedly using blackface. 

Her new music video Nonstop is circus-themed, including clowns, acrobats and a dancer wearing brown makeup on her face as part of a monkey costume. 

According to JoJo, people have been messaging her “really horrible and disgusting messages” since the video’s release. Despite how it looks, JoJo Siwa insists the makeup was not intended to offend and is not blackface – it is simply part of a costume. 

“I would like to address the music video that we shot for ‘NONSTOP’ in February,” she wrote on social media. 

“We’re talking about kids dressing up as circus animals! No one in my video is wearing blackface. It’s awful that anyone’s mind would even go there. Kids dressing in animal costumes, having their faces painted to look like animals, acting the part.”

View this post on Instagram

I need to set the record straight about a few things because some have been irresponsible in recent stories and posts about me, and everyone seems to rush to conclusions without having all of the facts. My instagram post yesterday had absolutely nothing to do with the criticism I received on my music video ‘NONSTOP.' I blocked certain people online and stopped following others because I was tired of seeing the personal hate on me. Some people will do anything for attention and that includes being mean. People were sending me really horrible and disgusting messages about my appearance, my sexuality, my content, and overall just being hateful. More importantly, I would like to address the music video that we shot for ‘NONSTOP' in February. We’re talking about kids dressing up as circus animals! No one in my video is wearing blackface. It’s awful that anyone’s mind would even go there. Kids dressing in animal costumes, having their faces painted to look like animals, acting the part. There were zebras, tigers, dogs, clowns, mermaids, everything. I’ve addressed Black Lives Matter issues previously on my social media, I will say it again for the ones in the back, Black Lives Matter, today, tomorrow, yesterday and forever. I’m on the right side of history here. Stop trying to make this about something it isn’t. I love my real fans and am so grateful for their love and support. Instead of trying to drag everyone down, let’s be positive and come back like a boomerang.

A post shared by JoJo Siwa (@itsjojosiwa) on

JoJo continued: 

“There were zebras, tigers, dogs, clowns, mermaids, everything. I’ve addressed Black Lives Matter issues previously on my social media, I will say it again for the ones in the back, Black Lives Matter, today, tomorrow, yesterday and forever. I’m on the right side of history here. Stop trying to make this about something it isn’t.”

In the wake of the blackface backlash, JoJo Siwa has disabled comments on the YouTube video in question. Her response to the criticism, however, was met with positivity as her Instagram post has been flooded with comments of support. 

“I love my real fans and am so grateful for their love and support,” JoJo added.

“Instead of trying to drag everyone down, let’s be positive and come back like a boomerang.”

Images: Instagram / @itsjojosiwa. 

You’re not alone! Stay connected, join in on the fun, and keep up to date by listening live or catching up on your favourite shows and tunes. Listen here.

WATCH: John Legend comments on Chrissy Teigen’s breast implant reduction