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LeBron, Gisele and Vogue: The Cover Controversy

Posted: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:06 AM by Dan Fleschner
Filed Under:

Lebron James on the Cover of Vogue with GiseleHere it is, the controversial Vogue cover featuring NBA star LeBron James and supermodel Gisele Bundchen.

This morning, Peter Alexander reported on the controversy, followed by Ann Curry's interview with CNBC's Donny Deutsch and humorist/TV commentator Nancy Giles. WATCH VIDEO

The cover has caused a lot of chatter, particularly online, over whether the shot (taken by famed photographer Annie Liebovitz) perpetuates racial stereotypes.

Some look at the cover and don't think much of it, that it's an interesting shot of two of the world's most recognizable people.

Others, however, see it as the embodiment of racial and sexual stereotypes, that it's a depiction of an aggressive, black man in a King Kong-like pose, embracing a white woman, a Fay Wray-like "damsel in distress."

Still others say that there were plenty of better photos to choose from to put on the cover.

So what's your take?

And in thinking about this story, I couldn't help but wonder...what's the more racist response to the cover: to see racial stereotypes and object or to not notice race at all?

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It's the comments that have been made that fuels the racism in this country.  I could have looked at that cover and never once even considered the "King Kong" shot but now since it has been made an issue I can't look at it without thinking of it.  He is a strong beautiful, talented man who just happens to be of color.  How dare anyone compare him to an ape.

Jennifer Suter, Keyser WV (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:15 AM)

I cant express how appalled I was by Ann's behavior this morning while reporting on this segment.  The Today Show invited "experts" on to give their opinion, then not only refused to allow them to express their thoughts, but went so far as to talk over them anytime they began to speak.  The cover is an expression of art and, in my opinion, give a very accurate interpretation of LeBron's personality.  It seems to me that the people who are making these comparisons to gorillas are black people themselves, and it would have likely gone unnoticed by everyone without their outbursts of criticism.

Columbus, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:16 AM)

This story made me chuckle. Part of the reason racism still exists is because black people want it to. It gives them a crutch and an excuse to complain. It also provides them with a get out of jail free card to play. I never would've read into this what others have. King Kong? Black man wanting black woman? Come on....really?

Shannon (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:18 AM)

I think LeBron and Giselle look wonderful! Their pictures are awesome! People need to get a grip!!!

Alice Wernersville, PA (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:21 AM)

This all seems a little silly. Annie Liebowitz is a well respected and professional photographer. I think this image was chosen because it captures the essence of what these two people are : A strong, muscular athlete who is fierce on the court, and a beautiful feminine goddess, a supermodel. This issue is about shape and beautiful bodies and this image shows that about both of them.
I don't think Lebron's stance is offensive. I doubt anyone said to him "stand like a gorilla". I think he was trying to stand in a pose that best showed off his physique and his sport. This is a pose that a lot of body builders use. And if Giselle is supposed to be so "afaid" of him, then why is she smiling with a grin bigger than Julia Roberts'?
I agree that there were more artsy photos with a more flowing composition in the collection. But I dont think they captured the essence of being in action. That is, after all, how you get in shape and get on the cover for having a great bod isn't it?

Robin (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:27 AM)

I am a 54 year old white woman, married to a 54 year
old white man.  Why does a great photo like this
have to be considered racist?
I think LeBron James looks HOT!  I love the photo
chosen for the cover.
I would never think he looks like a gorilla.  
People get over it!  It is only racist if you are!

mcn Bedford, TX (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:27 AM)

I have a couple of questions to pose.  If LeBron was photographed with an black model, how would people react?  If Gisele was photographed with a white athlete, how would people react?  What if a female black athlete, like Laila Ali, was photographed with a slender, white, male athlete, how would people react?  Does Gisele look threatened in this photo?  Quite the contrary.  She looks like she is having a blast.  Finally, as we live in the 21st century, should we not be looking beyond the colour of people's skin?  As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and there is great beauty in this cover shoot.  I congratulate Vogue for their ability to capture beauty in many forms.                

Heather (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:29 AM)

Unless you are a racist this is just a photograph of
two people, nothing more!

Deborah Shaughnessy, Jonesboro, Arkansas (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:33 AM)

When I viewed this cover all I thought was athlete and supermodel.  I NEVER even thougt black man, white woman.  I'm so sick of african americans looking for reasons to label white people racists.  I feel like white people in America are under attack.  It's like the african american community looks for reasons to stir conflict.  I fully expect Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson to speak out on this cover in the days to come.  

Shelly Roberts, Whitehouse, Texas (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:40 AM)

The issue of racisim has jumped into the headlines recently. it seems that everyone has "re stirred" this hornets nest recently. Vouge is a RESPECTABLE magazine and put a picture of a african american and a beautiful woman on the cover and the race card is thrown into the mix again. the world needs to see all races in a better light this is a picture nothing more. people in this world need to let more things just be what they are and not dig up un nessecary issues a famous pychiatrist once said "sometimes a cigar is just a cigar" this picture is just a picture period

Wesley Grant, New Bedford Mass (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:49 AM)

He looks more like a football player than a basketball player to me.  Anyway, why does he need a woman on his arm "black or white"  with a look on his face like that??   The picture is just screaming controversy.

g.eglesias`pennsylvania`` (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:49 AM)

Please- critics let it go. It is what it is-a great cover and a great photograph.

debbie, decatur, il. (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:51 AM)

When the word "controversial" preceded the unveiling of this picture, I imagined nudity, not two notorious people depicting fun and humor; my initial response was not "King Kong and damsel in distress"!  Those whose feathers were ruffled were likely those who love to stir racial tension, who are actually racist themselves and despise seeing a man of color in the same setting as a caucasian woman.  Rather than viewing this as races uniting with smiles some had to turn it into a race issue...can't help but wonder if a white man with the same expression and pose would have been okay to grace Ebony or Jet's covers...

Christy Rolas, Morgan City, Louisiana (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:53 AM)

Why has no mentioned the picture of LeBron in a three piece suit on the cover of a financial magazine recently?  Or the fact that Buffett has given LeBron his personal cell phone number and says they often discuss business?  Wait a minute, that is not an image that offends so the politically correct ignore it.  Covers are intended to attract the eye.  This one did.  Get over it.

Jerry Lisiecki, Charlotte, Michigan (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:55 AM)

Who says that LeBron is standing like a gorilla? Isn't he dribbling a basketball? Duh!!!! I believe that only the racists themselves are seeing this as racial. Who cares what the guests think...what does LeBron think? He did the shot. I'm sure that he didn't feel that he was being shot as a gorilla, but as the fierce, hot man that he is.Leave it alone and get a real life. Ann Currie needs to get a grip. A few of her interviews lately, especially concerning this issue and when she interviewed Omarosa, have been down right rude. Talking over her guests and rolling her eyes at them. Wow! If I wanted to watch controversial and uncomfortable interviews I would watch another show.

Lumberton, TX (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:56 AM)

This picture did not evoke thoughts of King Kong until it was pointed out to me. I see no stereotyping in this picture at all. It's a star athlete and a supermodel, raw masculine power and true feminine beauty.It's quite a clever picture.

Brian (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:05 AM)

It's a good picture people need to get over the whole race issue, and just enjoy seeing 2 beautiful people on the cover of a magazine.

Cathy Thomas, Vancleave, MS (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:06 AM)

If you find something wrong with this cover their is something definately wrong with you as a person!

Leon Haven Denton Texas (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:07 AM)

This is the way of the world.Everything throws up a red flag due to people being naive.He is a basketball player,she is a model.Thats it!! Anyone reading anything else into this has nothing better to do with their lives.King Kong,please!!

B.REAL (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:12 AM)

Most people so far have indicated my thoughts on this. It is a nice photo and anyone who views it in a different light has issues. I too would never have viewed LeBron as looking like a gorilla - LETS BE REAL!!! Everyone needs to step back and get into reality. I too am tired of everyone picking apart everything and claiming racism. The past is the past and unless we stop claiming racism, then we will not progress into a society with no racism. We cannot be held responsible for what our ancestors may have done or not done! I'm quite sure that Sharpton and/or Jackson will be getting on this ban wagon - they live for this garbage! (Yes, I am a 41 y/o married white woman, with children and have friends and family of many backgrounds. I do not judge anyone by their color, sex, religion or anything else but how they treat others!)

Tracy, Boston area, Mass. (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:13 AM)

God help us that this has become a news worthy story. What has become of us when we have nothing better to do with our time then to turn a beautiful picture ugly. There are so many good things we could talk about yet we continue to drag the uglyness to the front. It's as if we enjoy being miserable.

Wendy Hoekstra (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:13 AM)

Not sure about the monkey issue.  As a black male I would have liked to seen him in better pic showing some style.  That pic sucks for a man of his money and status.

Kerry,Durham,NC (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:14 AM)

Although I did not see the racism in the picture, I can see how some would look at it a different way.  However, I do see racism in the comments online.  Black people, me, don't need a crutch some white people have made sure to place that in our lives.  Your inability to see someone's side SHANNON is the very heart of racism.  People like you keep it alive.

Atlanta, GA (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:25 AM)

This is just a great cover, nothing more. There is no need to bring race issues were there are none. Leave the "I'm so sick of african americans looking for reasons to label white people racists." out of this. Racism is real in the US, there's no denying it (even though many try to).Unfortunately for people like that there is no controversy on this cover. It is an image of a famous athlete and a beautiful model, nothing more.

Abraham (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:25 AM)

It's not fair to say that "racism exists because black people want it to".  It's ignornant and not true.  Racism exists because...it exists!  There are still racist people in this world.  No one wants it to exist.  How do black people benefit from racism?  How does society in general?  As far as the cover is concerned, as a black woman, I'm more ashamed of Lebron than I am upset with the magazine.  When black athletes or public figures are portrayed in "racist" or unfavorable lights, it's their own fault.  As one of the previous posters commented, the photographer probably didn't ask him to pose like Godzilla but he sure does look like he's trying to.  Lebron must not have taken into consideration the past of blacks being compared to monkeys and the effect it would have on the community.  It's not about anything being taken out of proportion or taken the wrong way. In reality, you can't look at that picture and not see a black man striking a pose similiar to one made famous by Godzilla and holding a beautiful white woman.  So, racism exists in the real life because stereotypes sitll exist and many people still believe them.  Not to support Affirmative Action or to give us a get out of jail free card.  85% of all jails are filled with black men...did we run out of cards or something?  Not to blame "the white man" or society for that either.

Tampa, FL (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:27 AM)

The Vogue cover is a beautiful representation of two beautiful human beings.  Period.  You can disagree about that because, indeed, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but racist?  Give me a break!

Linda McCoy, Syracuse, NY (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:27 AM)

Good grief!!!! What "may have" been viewed as inappropriate or racial by a select few people who will never change their views will now be the topic of racial discussions and sterotypes.  Thanks to this reporting and intreptation of taking an innocent, yet celebrating photo and turning it into some type of political grandstanding you are now the leading the racist and sterotypical reporter.  Well done.  NOT!

Tom Hughes (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:30 AM)

I think it's still difficult for some black and white persons to see a black man and white woman together period.  And I think this was fueled by the comment(s) from the Vogue spokesperson who stated that King James was the first black man to grace the cover of their mag.  "And how dare they put him on there with a white woman!"  Whatever sells, honey.  I'm sure Vogue will notice a spike in sales on this one.  Everyone just needs to calm down.  It's a picture.  That's all.  Can we move on?  Hello?  We're still in Iraq and Afghanistan, gas prices are quickly rising, disposable income (whatever that is) is shrinking and we have yet to begin the clean-up of the subprime mortgage debacle!  

Angela, Richmond, VA (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:32 AM)

How much better it would have been to photograph LeBron with a beautiful black lady, a model or a singer, and there are many out there.  It seems Vogue was looking for controversy to sell a few more magazines.  Shame on them!  One more thing, young black men need role models, and to allow himself to become embroiled in this, LeBron loses credibility where it is so badly needed.

Laura Klinger (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:34 AM)

The way I see it is the only way one could be offended by this is if they WANTED to be offended. There is nothing even remotely racial about that picture.
And I can't believe that fact that people being offended by this is news-worthy. There are way more important things going on in this country that deserves this type of attention.

C Clark, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:34 AM)

This is ridiculous!  This cover is about as controversial as my morning bowl of oatmeal!  To me, LeBron merely looks as if he is psyched up before a game, giving a battle cry not unlike they do in martial arts, and Gisele is laughing amicably at his enthusiasm.  He does not, in any way, shape, or form, resemble King Kong, and those who think so are only showing their own insecurities.  Political correctness in this country has gone insane, reading racism/sexism into things where it doesn't exist!  And the ones I hear the most disparaging remarks for black people is from other black people; it's very rare I hear anything from a white person.  And I'm a woman, and have hardly ever faced any disparagement/action I believe was made due to my sex.  Grow up and get a life, people!  It seems only those who have a stake in keeping the races and sexes at each other's throats coughcough the media cough see anything controversial about this cover.

Charity Meyers, Baltimore, MD (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:36 AM)

I wish the media would stop stirring up racial controversy.  From the presidential election to this picture we are so focused on the color of people's skin that we forget about what is really important. I think the media should be responsible and stop inventing things to rile up racial tension.  Hopefully this is the last we will hear about this picture.

Melissa, Biloxi, MS (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:38 AM)

When are people going to get past the race issue. This great picture of "King James" with the hottist model on the planet is a celabration of just how far we really have come on the issue of race. I'm happy to see Vogue push themselfs to new levels of understanding our socieity. Both black and white people need to knock the chip off their shoulders and get on with the business of being "Americans"

JCM, Denver, CO. (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:38 AM)

Is the picture racist? No. Is the picture stupid?  Yes.

Paula (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:39 AM)

I don't see anything wrong with it.  It says the top in their fields.  I think people are making too much of it.

Tracy, Missouri (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:39 AM)

What frustrates me the most, is everyone looks too much into things.  Who even thought of this image portraying King Kong in the first place?  That did not come to my mind when I saw the cover.  Lets face it, if the cover depicted a femine, smiling, and gentle LeBron James (the King of Basketball) and a masculine and intimidating Gisele (one of the most renown models known for her beauty) there would have been controversy.  It would have been.... "Shouldn't they have LeBron James looking more like a Basketball Player instead of a Ballerina and Gisele like the image she is known for?"  Secondly, LeBron James was completely aware of his face, stance, and the girl in his arms.  I'm sure if he had seen an issue with it, it would not have been printed.  And lastly, Gisele looks like she is having a blast, not like she is being wisked away by King Kong.  Maybe the King of Basketball....Who wouldn't want to be in his protective arms?

Frustrated, Cleveland, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:42 AM)

I cant believe people are actually making a big deal about this.

Cindy (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:43 AM)

Controversey sells magazines!! We have all been duped by this one!! A great photo, by a great photographer and shame on the Today show for resorting to low brow cheesy journalism.Thanks for showing two beautiful people in the prime of life all in the name of art!

Jody Beeler , Sedona, Az (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:43 AM)

I wasn't impressed with the photo when I saw it first before all the contraversy. I think they could have done better. They definately could have done better. And yes I do believe their is something racist about it. But that's how the media is. Sneaky as usual.

e smith (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:47 AM)

Is this a joke! Lebron looks nothing like an ape and Giselle is hardly a damsel in distress. Someone is bored and wants to start a controvery. We have more important issues to deal with in this world than trying to find trouble where none was meant. Is this a great picture,no. Is it racist,also no.

Deborah Pedata, Deland Fl (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:49 AM)

WHAT???  I would never have even considered this cover to be anything other than LeBron and Giselle having fun while doing a cover shoot.  Why does it always have to come down to race - honestly, let it go!!

Denise Olsen, Eagan, Minnesota (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:49 AM)

The picture helps reinforce negative stereotypes about blacks. All Blackmen love to play basketball and be uncivilized. While the Attractive white woman stands there quite civilized!

Ed J (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:49 AM)

Here is the thing. Racism continues to get perpetuated in our society strongly due stories like this. The only reason this cover is being discussed as possibly racist it because you and other news groups are doing a story about it maybe being racist. I gaurentee that if you did no story, no would think this. No person with common sense would look at this cover and think anything other than it's a big tough basketball player and a pretty model on the cover. If we want racism to stop in, one of the first things that needs to happen is for the media to stop making everything out to be racist. You are a huge part of the problem. Stop making everything racist and racism will die. We are more evolved than this.

Brian, Pasadena, CA (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:50 AM)

It seems to me that the racists are the ones who dubbed Lebron as "King Kong".  If Lebron were white, would he be portrayed as "The Abominable Snowman"????  The pic is great and I'm quite sure that if King James had a problem with it, it wouldn't be on the cover.  Rock on, Lebron!!

Chris, Mt. Pocono, PA (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:50 AM)

Please! All I see is two attractive people having fun at a photo op! The folks who are making a big deal out of this are just nuts.

David, Greensboro, NC (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:51 AM)

When i first saw this cover i thought nothing. LeBron looks like himself. That is the way he is. People need to watch a game!  I feel like they're insulting LeBron and should be ashamed of themselves. When is the time going to come that everyone would look at this cover and see an exuberant athlete and a beautiful model. It is people that criticize this cover that keep racism alive. WHEN ARE WE GOING TO QUIT SEEING BLACK AND WHITE!!!

Lisa, Jenks America (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:54 AM)

Its things like this that just fuel the issue of racism.  How will people ever get along if we keep fueling the fire with such stupid issues like a magazine cover.  Wake up and grow up.   Lets learn to get along as one, and solve some real problems such as our failing economy, poverty, global warming, affordable health insurance, or education.  WAKE UP AMERICA !

James, Canon City, Colorado (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:54 AM)

I think it is so crazy that people must read racially into this.  Annie Liebovitz, a fabulous photographer who also could say that her jewish life has been persecuted took this photograph.  If some can see that he is a mad man on his way to enslave the black man....couldn't we also say he is the image of Hitler carrying a beautiful white jewish girl to the gas chamber?  Come on!!  People see what they want to see and interpret things obvioulsly very differently.  This is a photograph that shows him as an excited and pumped up basketball star and her a beautiful model.  We are all Americans.  I was born here...I'm American.  Lebron was born here...he is American.  My family is French/Italian...yet I consider myself just American.  Let's stop using these names to set us apart.  African American?  Were you born in Africa?  The majority will have to say no.  Just call yourself American for Pete's sake!!  Stop all of the racial separation and unite.  

Jared, San Diego, CA (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:02 AM)

This is so frustrating..how this is racist is beyond me, people will always find a way to see something for what IT ISNT. Two talented young people whether they be black, white, yellow purple etc...should be celebrated for their accomplishments not looked down upon for their color or what someone protrays as a racist photograph...i also congratulate vogue for taking a stand and seeing no color just two wonderful young people in their prime...bravo!

Adrienne, Cleveland, Oh (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:03 AM)

This is just a photo of a black man and a white woman chosen by people who are professionals working for a magazine that has been very successful for many, many years. Why do blacks always make everything a racial issue?? They should be celebrating the fact that LeBron made the cover and is being recognized. Instead they (blacks) are making it an issue, again. LeBron is an amazingly talented basketball player who just happens to be big, black and georgous and who does not show any resemblence to King Kong (a black woman's words). He plays with passion and I think passion is what is portrayed in this photo. HE seems to be just fine with the choice of the cover photo. Again, why is this a racial issue??? This whole thing is not worth the air it is getting. I hope Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson don't subscribe to Vogue...God help us if they do.  

Sandie G., Seattle, Washington (Sent Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:03 AM)



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