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Ellie Goulding Under Fire for Wearing “Racist” Native American Headdress

Ellie Goulding's beating heart may have beat a little faster this past Halloween weekend, when she found herself in hot water with her fans. 

The "Burn" singer, 27, ignited a firestorm when she shared a photo via Instagram of herself wearing an imitation Native American headdress. The image, which has since been deleted by the star, was accompanied by a caption reading "Chief." 

Related: PHOTOS: Celebrity Halloween Costumes 2014

In the shot, Goulding wears brown suede fringed bottoms, a beaded layer on her top, and the large, tribal-inspired headpiece, which included beading and feathers. She then posted a second image, showing a tight shot of her face but offering a peek at the beaded elements around her neck and on her chest, and a pair of feather earrings in her ears. 

The costume prompted swift and furious backlash from viewers, who called the ensemble "racist" and "insensitive." 

Related: PHOTOS: Celebs in Matching Halloween Costumes

After deleting the full look of her outfit, Goulding denied that it was a costume and offered up an explanation. 

Responding to a Twitter user who brought up the controversial look, the singer wrote on Saturday, Nov. 1, "I wore that beautiful unauthentic headpiece for about 5 minutes. I haven't worn my costume for Halloween yet."

Another tweeter suggested that Goulding make amends by making a donation to a Native American cause. "Hey Chief perhaps you can support the Native American Children/ Donate/ spread the word… IndianYouth.org/Dreamstarter" the user wrote. 

"Then I shall!" the British star responded. "Thank you x."

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