Love magazine released before and after pictures of Lerato Kganyago after the publication was faced with lots of criticism over photoshopped cover of their latest edition.
The cover, which was released on Monday morning, sparked widespread debate on social media, with fans lambasting the publication for its extensive use of Photoshop.
Hundreds of fans took to Twitter to express how Lerato looked unrecognizable due to Photoshop. True Love magazine immediately reacted to the backlash by sharing Lerato’s before and after pictures.
the magazine issued a statement on its website stating that it would never deliberately tarnish a cover star’s image.
“There’s a public misconception about retouching as recently pointed out by TRUE LOVE June cover star Lerato Kganyago. The tool, however, is used to enhance, colour correct and highlight the best features,” read part of the statement.
To prove its point (apparently) the magazine published a string of before and after pictures of Lerato.
The difference in some of the shots is clearly noticeable, with some of the pictures revealing her cellulite.
But the move has seen the magazine come under fire even more, with people on Twitter calling the release of the pictures “spiteful” and “unnecessary.”
Dissapointed Lerato took to instagram to express her feeling in a number of tweet:
“Listen! I’m not mad, at all! Disappointed, YES! People know me and see me every week on TV. Buy the mag and read the beautiful article! ”
“I’m disappointed that they (True Love) did this. They thought that they were body shaming me. But nothing could be further from the truth. I often speak about my cellulite. I’m a woman. It’s part of me.”
Listen! I'm not mad, at all! Disappointed, YES! People know me and see me every week on TV. Buy the mag and read the beautiful article! ❤️
— leratokganyago (@leratokganyago) May 23, 2016
Listen! I’m not mad, at all! Disappointed, YES! People know me and see me every week on TV. Buy the mag and read the beautiful article! ❤️
— leratokganyago (@leratokganyago) May 23, 2016
Lol they clearly think I’m ashamed of my cellulite being out there! I speak openly about them! https://t.co/tLsiH6HEh3
— leratokganyago (@leratokganyago) May 23, 2016
Putting my cellulite out there I don’t mind! But don’t give me a different mouth,& nose and think people won’t see!I’ve don’t lots of covers
— leratokganyago (@leratokganyago) May 23, 2016
Thank you for all the emails, calls, and tweets! I’ve been through worse in my life! This is just water under the bridge! ❤️ Thank YOU
— leratokganyago (@leratokganyago) May 23, 2016
They know the public &LKG only mentioned a problem with the cover image bt in order to be spicy they release article pics with cellulite&ish
— Dudoo (@Dudoo_D) May 23, 2016
I didn’t see Adweek going on a pics releasing spree to prove their point or expose of Kerry like TL did with Lerato.. Very tacky
— Dudoo (@Dudoo_D) May 23, 2016
1. A female publication that prides itself in “women empowerment” is able to body shame the woman who graces it’s cover.
— Nomzamo (@NomzamoMbatha) May 23, 2016
3. What a sad day it is. For black women and for young black girls.
I’m so heavy hearted. Wow— Nomzamo (@NomzamoMbatha) May 23, 2016
@leratokganyago we love you. We support you. This was meant to be a special moment for you!! Can’t even imagine how hurt you are. ❤️
— Bonang B* Matheba (@bonang_m) May 23, 2016
I post numerous pics of me with no make, my “rolls”, and my cellulite…Don’t use “body shaming” to try and humiliate me…doesn’t work! ?
— leratokganyago (@leratokganyago) May 23, 2016
@leratokganyago :Even if they tried to pull you down sister,ur remarkable…#MCM.YOU ARE WHO YOU ARE.Lov;QMM*** pic.twitter.com/LE39X1YbzC
— Quinton Mlaza (@QuintonMlaza) May 23, 2016