Bruno Mars Defends Himself Against Cultural Appropriation Accusations

Since Bruno Mars became a household name, many fans — or haters — have accused him of appropriating African American culture.

Now, the singer  -- who is of Puerto Rican, Jewish and Filipino descent -- is responding to the claims.

In a recent interview, he said, "I would say: You can't look at an interview, you can't find an interview where I'm not talking about the entertainers that've come before me. And the only reason why I'm here is because of James Brown, is because of Prince, Michael —that's the only reason why I'm here."

He added, "I'm growing up as a kid, watching Bobby Brown saying, 'OK, if that's what it takes to make it, then I've got to learn how to do the running man, I've got to learn how to do the moonwalk.' That's it. And this music comes from love, and if you can't hear that, then I don't know what to tell you."

Bruno also talked about if the criticism he has gotten bothers him.

He said, "It comes with the gig. And there's real merit to what people are saying about Black entertainers not getting their flowers, and I'm championing with that, I'm with that … I understand, but it's just Twitter."