TikTokers under fire for “blackface” after throwing Shaun the Sheep party

A group of TikTokers are facing backlash for wearing “blackface” after throwing a Shaun the Sheep-themed party that’s going viral online.

Shaun the Sheep is a British children’s TV program and spin-off of the Wallace and Gromit series that follows the adventures of Shaun, a lamb, on a North English farm.

The series has cemented itself as a classic in kid’s media… but a group of TikTokers are coming under fire for how they decided to celebrate the show.

Indonesian TikTok user ‘vinaputrip’ decided to get together with their buddies to throw a Shaun the Sheep-themed party in December 2023.

TikToker sparks backlash over viral Shaun the Sheep-themed party

Looking at Shaun’s design, he’s covered in fluffy white wool with dark skin on his face and extremities — but viewers are noticing that a few partygoers decided to cover their lips in red face paint, sparking some accusations that attendees were wearing “blackface.”

A video of the celebration has gone viral on TikTok in January 2024 as viewers pour in with criticisms of the influencer and their friends, racking up over 24 million views over the past month.

“I like Shaun the sheep, but I could NEVER do this,” one user wrote.

“Last time I checked, Shaun DOES NOT have red lips,” another pointed out.

“Not one of them was like, ‘Let’s not do this,’ lol?” yet another said.

However, other commenters aren’t so sure the group intended to be offensive with their costumes, with one viewer writing: “Y’all, as a Black person, blackface is only blackface when you are interpreting a Black person. They are not doing blackface! Please grow up.”

“I know they don’t mean anything by it, but I would absolutely do a double take if I saw this in public,” one added.

Vinaputrip has uploaded a few other videos of the party but, at the time of writing, has not responded to the backlash and ensuing debate on their profile, leaving many viewers demanding answers.