India Arie Denies Skin Lightening Rumors

India Arie has denied recent skin lightening rumors.

The singer has been accused of lightening her skin for a publicity photo used to promote her new song “Cocoa Butter.” Many feel the photo in question shows the musician with lighter skin. However, Arie has flatly denied that anything of the sort has taken place.

To silence her critics, India Arie took to her Twitter account. The singer said that she loves her brown skin more than ever. She explained on her official Facebook page that she was “rolling on the floor” laughing at recent rumors regarding the publicity photo.

The singer said she would never endanger her health by doing such a thing to her skin. Arie added that she is so “in love” with herself that she would never consider lightening the tone of her skin.

A source explained to TMZ that India Arie is concerned that people think she is lightening her skin. The insider told the website that her skin tone in the photograph is the result of the camera flash and the angle. She told friends that she never asked to be lightened.

The singer is known for penning tunes that celebrate natural black beauty. India Arie was also vocal about Zoe Saldana’s casting in the Nina Simone biopic since the actress’ skin was darkened for the role.

“Yes there should be a movie made, and YES they should have chosen someone who LOOKS like Nina Simone, ESPECIALLY since her RACE played such a PIVOTAL role in WHO, WHAT and WHY, she was,” the musician wrote on her website.

The promotional image for “Cocoa Butter” that caused all of this controversy lies below.

The singer is set to release her album Songversation on June 25. Her new song is available now.

Are you a fan of India Arie? What do you think about the rumors that the singer lightened her skin to promote her latest single?

[Top Image via s_bukley / Shutterstock.com]