Gigi Hadid apologises and says ‘it was out of my control’ as she breaks her silence on her darkened skin on Vogue cover
GIGI Hadid has issued an apology for her Vogue Italia cover on which she looks completely unrecognisable.
The magazine has been accused of darkening the model’s skin as she appears with a completely different complexion than usual.
The cover, shot by photographer Steven Klein, also sees her facial shape altered, which has led to speculation she has been heavily Photoshopped.
Gigi has now spoken out, insisting it was beyond her control.
Sharing a picture of herself after the shoot online, she wrote: "This is a photo of me returning home from shooting my Italian Vogue cover on April 3rd... you can see the level I had been bronzed to on set that day.
"Please understand that my control of a shoot 1. is non existent in terms of creative direction 2. ends completely when I leave set, and anything done to a photo in post is out of my control fully.
"The bronzing and Photoshop is a style that S. Klein has done for many years and I believe was expected from the shoot (to show me in a different way creatively), BUT, although I understand what Vogue Italia's intentions were, it was not executed correctly, and the concerns that have been brought up are valid.
"I want to address this for those who were offended by editing/retouching/colouring of the cover. Please know that things would have been different if my control of the situation was different.
"Regardless, I want to apologise because my intention is never to diminish those concerns or take opportunities away from anyone else, and I hope this can be an example to other magazines and teams in the future.
"There are real issues regarding representation in fashion - it's our responsibility to acknowledge those issues and communicate through them to work towards a more diverse industry. xG."
Vogue Italia bosses also said in a statement: "Throughout its history, Vogue has respected and encouraged the creative viewpoints of commissioned photographers.
"In our latest cover shoot by Steven Klein, the vision was to create a beachwear-themed story with a stylised bronzing effect.
"We understand that the result has caused some debate with our readers, and we sincerely apologise if we have caused any offence."
The 23-year-old first shared the image yesterday, writing: “Thank you so so much for an amazing shoot, I am forever inspired by you all !!! & can’t wait to share the full story !! x ⚡👑”
However her fans struggled to believe it was even her and rushed to social media to comment on it.
One person wrote: “I would be upset with the photoshop or makeup artist as it looks like they thinned your face, took away your jaw bone structure and changed/narrowed your nose.
“Your beautiful always either way, we're just used to a more natural Gigi.”
While another asked: “Is this considered a form of blackface tho 🤔”
And someone else commented: “Why are you so f***ing dark? When this is not your actual colour?
“Why would you even allow someone to make you appear darker?”
Meanwhile Gigi has recently reconciled with her ex-boyfriend Zayn Malik.
The couple, who announced their split six weeks ago, were spotted kissing in the street in New York.
Zayn recently revealed to Ryan Seacrest that his new single Let Me is about his ex.
Most Read In TV & Showbiz
He said: "I was aspiring to be in love with someone for the rest of my life and the rest of theirs, as we all do.
"Things change and we move forward in life. Times change, but that's what I was thinking when I wrote it."
The Sun Online has contacted Vogue for comment.
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220.
We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.