I tried to ignore this story because I don’t want to analyze every stupid thing that Beyonce does. But this story has grown to such mammoth proportions that it can no longer be ignored.
Photos of Beyonce in blackface has created a storm of controversy around the world. According to British tabloid The Sun, the controversial photoshoot, which features Bey’s face painted darker than African model Alek wek, has been defended by the magazine that shot them. The editors say the entire photo shoot was a tribute to Bey’s “African roots” and that the blackface was partially Beyonce’s idea.
“The designs are all reflective of the African influence on fashion this season,” the magazine said in a statement. “As for the artistic make-up, the inspiration came from several African rituals during which paint is used on the face.”
But critics shot back that Beyonce’s use of blackface as a fashion accessory for a photo shoot is offensive.
The pictures were supposed to be a tribute to Nigerian musician and human rights activist FELA KUTI.
Bey’s husband JAY-Z is producer of the Broadway show Fela! which the singer has recently seen.
And she was so inspired by the music that she’s even incorporated the musician’s sounds into tracks on her upcoming album.
Although there has been no comment from the diva’s camp, it’s not the first time her skin tone has raised a furore.
