New L’Oreal Ad Raising Race Issues

TMZ is known for their tabloid style, so it’s no surprise when they print stories that seem sensational or far fetched. But one particular story that TMZ published is making its rounds in the news and on fan forums as well. The question is whether or not the new L’Oreal ad that features Beyonce used photoshop to make Beyonce’s skin tone appear lighter. (see Getty image above)

Some people are up in arms that it’s a slap in the face to the black community. I don’t think that L’Oreal has ever seriously marketed to black consumers anyway. They’ve left that up to their urban consumer division SoftSheen-Carson. So what’s the big deal if they choose photos that show Beyonce pre-suntan? This might actually be the kind of controversy that gets the brand more recognition and brings attention to their “efforts” to market to black consumers. The “Tommy Hilfiger is a racist” talk from years ago didn’t significantly hurt his brand. So will this really impact L’Oreal?

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