Former Miss Universe Australia DENIES 'appropriating' Aboriginal culture in advertisement

Olivia Molly Rogers, 27, has denied she was making fun of Aboriginal culture when she covered herself in clay and attempted to resemble an indigenous dancer. 

The former Miss Universe Australia faced intense backlash this week, when she posted a snap of herself trying out brand Swisse's new clay masks.

Appearing to look like a dancer in a traditional corroboree, the photograph had written under it: 'Connecting to our indigenous roots.'

The questionable snap received an intense backlash, with Olivia hitting back at claims it was an act of cultural appropriation.

On Sunday, in a statement to Daily Mail Australia, Olivia claimed she did not write the 'indigenous roots' comment.

'While the comment about 'indigenous roots' was not my own, it was added to my social media upon another influencer re-sharing it,' she said. 

'I promise to learn and grow from the experience, and grow my understanding around cultural appropriation and cultural sensitivities,' she continued. 

'I owe as much to not only myself, but to my followers, and the Indigenous community more widely.'  

Earlier this week, Olivia hit back on Instagram writing she was just doing what she was 'instructed' to do by lathering herself up in the clay.

Despite referring to her 'indigenous roots', Olivia went on to claim that it was not meant to be an act of cultural appropriation.   

She went on to offer an apology, claiming it would have never been her intention hurt anybody.

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