Beyonce Album 2011 Lighter Skin photo controversy

Beyonce new album is causing controversy as the album promo image shows Beyonce with a much lighter skin tone colour than normal. Beyonce Album 4 cover shows the recent new mum, in a skimpy body suit, with her face looking a lot paler than the bottom half her body. It is not the first time she has caused controversy as her 2008 advert for L’Oreal also had people saying she had had her skin tone lightened in the images.

The new photos have been explained as being due to strong studio lighting. and it is argued that Beyonce would not alter her image and would have control over her appearance in a album shot.
The whole issue of Skin lightening in fashion magazines and advertising is becoming a big hot potato, and these recent photos follow similar issues with celebs such as Gabourey Sidibe, Freida Pinto and Aishwarya Rai being embroiled in it.

“Colorism is unfortunately still an issue today. Dark skin is considered less than light skin in the in the minds of many in our community and in the media,”

Bill Duke and D. Channsin Berry, told The Grio.

The New York Post expressed that they were “shocking” and blog posts gloablly have said she is not representing her African-American ethnicity.

What do you think? Does Beyonce look much lighter?, or do you think critics have over reacted.