Travis Scott Did Not Remove Trans Model From 'ASTROWORLD' Cover
Travis Scott’s ASTROWORLD cover art is stirring up controversy after transgender model Amanda Lepore was removed from the artwork.
On Wednesday (Aug. 1), Lepore posted a photo of the cover on Instagram, which featured her in the carnival scene. However, she was absent from the final version of the cover.
“It was great being part of @david_lachapelle’s incredible photograph of @travisscott’s album cover but I’m curious why I’m not on the picture @travisscott posted,” said Lepore. “A girl can’t help it. Too distracting for the eyes. Upstaged everyone in the photograph. Oh well……….. I love @david_lachapelle and @travisscott Love and kisses.”
Left, Travis Scott's new album cover.
Right, the actual David LaChapelle image.
Only difference? The ommission of the iconic @Amanda_Lepore 🤔 pic.twitter.com/8ek2BNVaus— Ξvan Ross Katz (@evanrosskatz) August 1, 2018
Her removal drew outrage from fans, who accused Travis of transphobia. Photographer David LaChapelle, who shot the ASTROWORLD cover, responded to the outrage. “No Amanda was taken out because she just upstaged every one lol,” he told one Instagram follower.
LaChapelle also denied that transphobia played a role in the final edit. “Everybody wants to explain everything with some phobia or whatever,” he told another fan. “This is just a case of something else she can’t just can’t seem to control lol ain’t nothing to do with hating.”
https://instagram.com/p/BmApu8QDJL9/
Taking to Instagram, Lepore defended LaChapelle against the backlash. “Love @david_lachapelle for being the first photographer to use me for massive amounts of successful photo shoots and photographs in museums all over the world,” she wrote. “He is a close friend and is definitely not transphobic.”
As for Travis, TMZ reports that he had no knowledge about the version that included Lepore. The cover he posted was the version he received from LaChapelle.