Gabourey Sidibe’s Elle Magazine Cover: Why Was Her Skin Lightened?

Gabourey Sidibe appears on the cover of the October 2010 issue of Elle magazine. The feature regards her as one of the mag’s favorite 25-something entertainers. But while the title is something to be proud of, it seems the cover isn’t.

Elle magazine is under fire for allegedly lightening the skin of the actress.

Of course, they are denying this, saying:

“We have four separate covers this month and Gabby’s cover was not retouched any more or less than the others.”

Editor-in-chief Robbie Myers said,

“It sort of boils down to this: at a photo shoot, in a studio, that is a fashion shoot, that’s glamorous, the lighting is different. The photography is different than a red carpet shot from a paparazzi.”

But here Gabourey is in Harper’s BAZAAR (below), another high-fashion, “glamourous” magazine, and her skin color looks as it naturally would.

The other three covers that Myers speaks of feature actresses Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried, and reality show star, author and fashion designer Lauren Conrad – all white women with, as expected, petite bodies.

It should be noted as well that while the other three girls received a full body shot for their cover photos (see below), Gabourey scored only a close-up – from her bosom to her hairline (which, by the way, may be rocking the worst-looking weave known to man).

While the other three ladies strike a sassy pose – frail arms, tiny waists, and trendy outfits center stage – Gabourey is awkwardly squeezed into her frame, shortchanging the rest of her curves.

What should we complain about first?

That she didn’t receive the same treatment in terms of hair, styling or make-up?

That her skin has, without a doubt, been lightened despite Elle’s denial?

Or that her body type didn’t receive as much shine as the rest?

And lastly, it’s obvious that we should be disappointed, but should we really be surprised?

See other photos from the shoot here: Elle Names Janelle Monae & Gabourey Sidibe It’s “Favorite 25-Something” Stars

What’s So Great About Being Light-Skinned?

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