Popular influencer Sophia Begg, known to her fans as Sopha Dopha, is facing criticism once again. This time, it’s about a recent trip to Japan. The 21-year-old Australian, who has over a million followers, posted about her first day in Tokyo.
On July 17, Begg shared photos on Instagram. She chose a song called “Blueprint Supreme” by Mandarin rapper SKAI ISYOURGOD for the post. Many fans quickly spoke up, saying the music choice was culturally insensitive.
One user on Instagram simply wrote, “Girl, I love you, but please, the song isn’t even in Japanese.” Other comments suggested Begg’s choice showed a misunderstanding of Asian cultures.
An Instagram user named Dayannee offered a stronger view. She felt Begg’s choice highlighted a form of privilege. Dayannee explained that some people feel free to pick and use parts of another culture for looks, without truly understanding or respecting them. She pointed out that people from those cultures often face ridicule for the very same things.
Dayannee added that culture is lived, not just a trend. She was replying to a fan who thought Begg might have picked the song just because it was popular. Dayannee then clarified that while the song might be trendy, it’s Chinese audio. Using it for a post about Japan, she said, confuses two very different cultures. She felt it was superficial and could be seen as racist. It suggested Begg chose the song only for an “Asian aesthetic” without caring about the differences between Chinese and Japanese cultures.
Other Instagram users even called the confusion “casual racism.”
So far, Begg has only hinted at the criticism. In a later video blog, she showed herself dancing in the street. The caption read, “When the trip leaves the group (we are three).”
Us Weekly reached out to Begg’s team for comments, but no official statement has been made. Despite the online storm, Begg has kept sharing videos from her Tokyo trip. She has shown her followers a sumo wrestling match, a subway ride, and a food tour at the famous Tsukiji Outer Market.
A Pattern of Controversy?
This isn’t the first time Sophia Begg has been in the news for an insensitive choice. In 2023, she caused a stir with a costume idea. According to reports from the Daily Mail, Begg planned to dress as a stingray for a costume party. Her friend was going as the late wildlife expert Steve Irwin.
Steve Irwin tragically died in 2006 after a stingray attack. When a follower reminded Begg of this, she seemed to brush off the seriousness of it.
The stingray costume idea caused a small wave of anger on TikTok. Begg soon posted a public apology to the Irwin family. She said she wanted to “clear some things up.”
Begg insisted that she loved Steve Irwin and never wanted to disrespect his family or his legacy. She called him an “Australian icon.” Begg stated she didn’t mean to offend anyone with her costume. She promised not to wear it and said she was truly sorry to anyone who felt hurt.