Kim Kardashian Responds to Allegations That Her Beauty Ad Used Blackface
"No one mentioned it."
![Face, Waist, Style, Fashion model, Dress, Fashion, Beauty, Strapless dress, Model, Long hair,](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wW65yBmXxXLHh9jbbki7HP-415-80.jpg)
If Kim Kardashian knows nothing else, she knows how to present an image of herself. And as she ramps up her launch of new beauty line KKW Beauty, she's counting on folks to invest in their desire to look and be like her.
But in a promo shot for the range, Kardashian has drawn social media fire for her quite, ah, dark skin tone. This image was tweeted June 14:
#KKWBEAUTY Creme Contour & Highlight Kit 6.21.17 https://t.co/PoBZ3bhjs8 pic.twitter.com/hXLa3XHuVBJune 14, 2017
The next day, a pretty significantly lighter version of that exact image was posted on Kardashian's Twitter account:
Créme Contour and Highlight Kit coming 6.21 #KKWBEAUTY pic.twitter.com/ojf3Cg6wzgJune 15, 2017
It isn't so weird that a photoshoot could end up with an unintentional lighting effect; after all, younger sis Kylie got into that same kind of situation a couple of years ago. But combined with recent controversies surrounding the Kardashian-Jenner family and possibly ripping off black creators, social media users didn't let Kim's original image go unnoticed:
#KKWBEAUTY Creme Contour & Highlight Kit 6.21.17 https://t.co/PoBZ3bhjs8 pic.twitter.com/hXLa3XHuVBJune 14, 2017
Plenty of folks defended Kim's look, attributing it to tanning, contouring, photography filter tricks, and more. Others gently suggested re-uploading the image at a brighter tone, which she eventually did:
#KKWBEAUTY Creme Contour & Highlight Kit 6.21.17 https://t.co/PoBZ3bhjs8 pic.twitter.com/hXLa3XHuVBJune 14, 2017
In an interview with the New York Times about KKW Beauty, Kim directly responded to the entire situation, apologizing and also explaining that no one on her team noticed anything off about the image:
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
"I would obviously never want to offend anyone. I used an amazing photographer and a team of people. I was really tan when we shot the images, and it might be that the contrast was off. But I showed the image to many people, to many in the business. No one brought that to our attention. No one mentioned it.
Of course, I have the utmost respect for why people might feel the way they did. But we made the necessary changes to that photo and the rest of the photos. We saw the problem, and we adapted and changed right away. Definitely I have learned from it."
RELATED STORY
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
-
Vacation Like a Local in the Hamptons
Here's where to stay, what to do, and how to pack for a weekend out east.
By Sara Holzman Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Turns 55 Without a Birthday Birkin
She opted for a sheer sundress instead.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Rob Rausch Opened Up About His Many 'Love Island USA' Exes—Including Who He "Never" Stopped Liking
The 25-year-old snake wrangler had more than a few exes on this season of the reality hit.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
This Valentino Perfume Is the Best Fragrance of 2024, According to Beauty Experts
It's a layerable, floral fragrance.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Is Colostrum the New Collagen?
Doctors and wellness professionals have a lot to say about TikTok's supplement of the moment.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
TikTok Is Making "Unsexy" Beauty Products Seem Very Appealing
There's more to worthwhile products than pretty packaging.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Fendi's First Fragrances Are Designed for Fashion Obsessives
It's finally available to shop.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
Why Beauty Experts Are Calling Out Youthforia's New Foundation
This isn't the way to do inclusive shades.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
The 32 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2024, According to Experts
Rapunzel hair, coming right up.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 20 Best Hair Masks for Damaged Hair, According to Experts and Editors
Healthy strands, here we come!
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
How Often You Should Wash Your Hair, According To Experts
Keep it fresh, my friends.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published