# Skin-Lightening Controversies The Controversial Elle January 2011 Aishwarya Rai Cover Causes Buzz By Joanne Lam | Published 2010-12-29 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elle-january-2011-aishwarya-rai References: [cocoperez](http://cocoperez.com/2010-12-27-elle-india-accused-of-whitening-aiswarya-rais-skin-on-january-issue) & [hindustantimes](http://www.hindustantimes.com/Ash-may-sue-Elle-for-her-racist-pic/Article1-643370.aspx) As yet another contribution to the list of photoshopped photo controversies, this Elle January 2011 Aishwarya Rai cover may potentially cause the featured actress to sue. With [skin appearing a lot lighter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arctigenin-brightening-treatment) than her natural hue on this cover, Rai was stated to be “furious” with this [photo edit](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dark-spot-correcting) after reviewing the January 2011 issue of Elle Magazine. Hopefully, this controversial pic was merely the result of [poor lighting](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/radiant-tone-collection) and no real lightening was done during the editing process. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.2/10 - Popularity: 50% | Activity: 97% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/media) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Skin-lightening in Magazine Covers:** There is a need for photo editors to accurately represent the physical representation of a person in their work. - **Body Positivity Movement:** People are becoming more accepting of the natural features of people, including skin complexion. - **Diversity and Inclusivity in Media:** Media outlets should aim to showcase people of all skin colors and ethnicities to promote a more accepting society. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Cosmetics:** There is a market for cosmetics that cater to a diverse range of skin colors. - **Fashion:** Fashion brands that feature models of diverse backgrounds across their campaigns can attract a wider range of customers. - **Publishing:** Publishing companies can benefit from showing a diverse range of people in their magazines and can also promote accepting attitudes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Complexion-Improving Aloe Gels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aloe-gel.md) - [All-Asian Beauty Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maybelline-face-the-difference.md) - [Ethical Cosmetics Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sabrina-elba.md) - [Scientifically Backed Luxury Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cellcosmet.md) - [Spot Correcting Skincare Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/visible-brightening.md) - [Non-AI Beauty Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-code.md) - [Biotech-Powered Brightening Serums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/complexion-brightening-serum.md) - [Hilarious Judicial Beauty Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/judge-beauty-1.md) - [Unretouched Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dove-reimagine-beauty.md)