British fashion magazine ELLE UK has come under fire for a controversial social media post involving BLACKPINK’s Rosé, reigniting discussions on racial bias and representation in the fashion and media industries.
The Incident: Omission and Darkened Images
On October 2, ELLE UK shared a solo photo of Rosé on their social media with the caption,
“The most standout look came courtesy of Blackpink star Rosé.”
While this post appeared to acknowledge Rosé’s presence, it came shortly after a widely criticized incident at the Saint Laurent 2026 Spring/Summer Women’s Collection show in Paris.
During the fashion event on September 30, Rosé, as a global ambassador for Saint Laurent, sat in the front row alongside notable celebrities including Charli XCX, Hailey Bieber, and Zoë Kravitz.
However, when ELLE UK posted a group photo from the event, Rosé was noticeably cropped out, leaving only the other three celebrities visible.
Fans worldwide reacted strongly, viewing the exclusion as an act of racial discrimination.
The controversy escalated further after British singer-songwriter Charli XCX faced backlash.
A Vogue Japan video showed Charli turning her back on Rosé during a conversation, and her social media posts darkened Rosé’s image, which many saw as an explicit example of racial bias.
Fans Speak Out: “Too Little, Too Late”
Despite ELLE UK’s later solo post of Rosé, global fans expressed dissatisfaction and outrage, calling the magazine’s actions “too little, too late.”
Many demanded a formal apology, criticizing the fashion publication for its initial exclusion and poor handling of the situation.
Comments on ELLE UK’s post included:
“At least issue an apology.”
“This is not just a mistake; it’s racism.”
“Why was Rosé cropped out when she’s a global ambassador?”
Broader Impact: Discussions on Representation and Racism
This controversy is not isolated but part of a larger conversation about systemic issues in fashion and media regarding racial representation.
Fans and advocacy groups are urging brands, magazines, and influencers to take accountability and ensure inclusivity.
The incident involving Rosé highlights ongoing challenges faced by Asian artists in the Western entertainment and fashion industries, sparking renewed dialogue about respect, fairness, and equality.
Rosé’s Response and Support
Rosé herself shared positive moments from the event, posting photos from the Saint Laurent show on her social media and expressing gratitude to Anthony Vaccarello, the brand’s creative director:
“Thank you for inviting me to the amazing show. Your work is truly beautiful. Love it.”
Despite the controversy, Rosé’s professionalism and grace have been widely praised by fans and industry insiders.
