Controversy Alert! Beyoncé Sports Blackface for Photo Shoot

Singer's face paint for French mag L'Officiel Paris was inspired by her African roots, says the fashion glossy, but is the "tribute" in poor taste?

By EOL Staff Feb 23, 2011 5:52 PMTags
E! Placeholder Image

Beyoncé acknowledges her roots in L'Officiel Paris' 90th anniversary issue by wearing various African-inspired clothing. But did she go too far by voluntarily darkening her face for the shoot?

There's been no word yet from the Grammy winner herself, who reportedly used the photo shoot to also pay tribute to the late African musician-activist Fela Kuti. But the magazine is defending the spread.

"The designs are all reflective of the African influence on fashion this season," the magazine says in a statement. "As for the artistic make-up, the inspiration came from several African rituals during which paint is used on the face. We find the images beautiful and inspiring."

Inspiring or infuriating? The jury's still out.