Diplo has hit out at the cultural appropriation criticism aimed at Major Lazer. 

Major Lazer took influence from Indian culture in the video for their breakthrough single "Lean On" and they have since attracted criticism for their use of reggae and dancehall in their music. Diplo spoke to the NME about the claims they've been hit with and said:

"When I grew up, no one told me what I was supposed to listen to. On the radio, Miami bass was always the thing for me, and heavy metal – that was big in Florida too. My parents listened to country. Rap was on the radio. I grew up and I loved music. I didn't think: 'Oh, I'm white, I've got to play a guitar.' I never had a guitar."

"I really fucked that up. I only had turntables. I wish I got a guitar, then I wouldn't have so much criticism. For me, the band that's most influential to us is The Clash. Nobody said: 'You're culturally appropriating' when they made 'Rock The Casbah'."

He added: "I think what makes a great artist is someone who can change the direction of music, not someone who stays the same all the time. Otherwise music would be so fucking boring."

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Watch the music video for "Lean On" below: