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10 celebrities accused of lightening their skin

By Shreeja Das
Published on : 02:39 PST, Dec 2, 2023
10 celebrities accused of lightening their skin
Rihanna, Sammy Sosa and Blac Chyna have faced accusations of lightening their skin color (Getty Images)

10 celebs accused of outshining the moon with their skin color

From public scrutiny to media speculation, celebs like Beyonce (L) and Nicki Minaj (R) have found themselves at the center of discussions regarding skin tone alterations (Getty Images)
Celebs like Beyonce and Nicki Minaj have found themselves at the center of discussions regarding skin tone alterations (Getty Images)

In pop culture, perceptions of attractiveness and self-image have often come under criticism. Let's explore the controversy surrounding ten celebrities accused of skin-whitening.

Lil' Kim 

Lil' Kim during the 2022 BET Awards on June 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for BET)
Lil' Kim during the 2022 BET Awards on June 26, 2022, in Los Angeles (Getty Images)

Lil' Kim's appearance has undergone noticeable changes over the years, including shifts in her skin tone. People have noticed her skin getting lighter, leading to discussions and speculation.

Tamar Braxton

LAS VEGAS, NV - NOVEMBER 06: TV personality Tamar Braxton attends the 2016 Soul Train Music Awards
Tamar Braxton at the 2016 Soul Train Music Awards (Getty Images)

Tamar Braxton a reality star and soul singer, has faced accusations of skin lightening, which she vehemently denies. Instead, she has been open about her struggles with vitiligo, a skin condition that causes a loss of melanin.

Beyonce

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 09: Beyoncé attends the premiere of Disney's
Beyonce at the premiere of Disney's 'The Lion King' at Dolby Theatre (Getty Images)

Beyonce, the iconic artist known for 'Lemonade' has faced speculation about potential photoshopping related to her skin tone in album covers.  

Sammy Sosa

(Sammy Sosa/Facebook)
Sammy Sosa has denied accusations of trying to appear fairer (Sammy Sosa/Facebook)

Sammy Sosa the baseball icon, has undergone a noticeable transformation in skin tone over the years. In 2010, he attributed the change to a skin cream he used regularly, denying any intention to "be white."

Nicki Minaj

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 01: Nicki Minaj attends the 'Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In
Nicki Minaj was accused of lightening her skin (Getty Images)

Nicki Minaj the 'Feeling Myself' rapper, has faced speculation about changes in her skin tone since her breakthrough in 2010.  

Blac Chyna

Blac Chyna (Pete Dadds/ FOX)
Blac Chyna has been accused of  using skin-lightening products (Getty Images)

Blac Chyna, the former exotic dancer and model and Rob Kardashian's fiancee, faced speculation about changes in her skin tone, leading to discussions and inquiries. In a 2014 interview, she denied using lightening products, attributing any perceived changes to camera flashes during photography sessions.

Rihanna

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 11: Singer Rihanna attends the launch of her first visual autobiography
Rihanna attends the launch of her first visual autobiography (Getty Images)

Rihanna the beloved artist known as our favorite bad gal, has faced claims from some quarters suggesting that she appears lighter now compared to the early days of her career. The topic gained attention when British singer Mica Paris addressed it in a notable op-ed last year.

Dawn Richard

(@dawnrichard/Instagram)
Dawn Richard faced allegations that her skin appeared lighter over time (@dawnrichard/Instagram)

Dawn Richard, the former Danity Kane singer, has faced speculation about her complexion appearing lighter, with suggestions ranging from lighting effects to skillful contouring techniques.

Ciara

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 20: Ciara attends the 2022 ESPYs at Dolby Theatre on July 20, 2022 in H
Ciara attends the 2022 ESPYs at Dolby Theatre on July 20, 2022 (Getty Images)

Ciara the 'I Bet' singer, has faced speculation about a perceived change in her complexion, with some suggesting a loss of richness in recent years.

Diana Ross 

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 04: Diana Ross performs during during the BBC Platinum Party at the Palace, a
Diana Ross performs during during the BBC Platinum Party at the Palace (Getty Images)

Diana Ross has faced speculation about skin lightening, but she has never addressed the issue, fueling ongoing speculation about whether she has undergone the process.

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