“I have nothing but respect for the LGBTQ community.”
Travis Scott recently released his newest album Astroworld, and it immediately caused controversy due to the rapper cutting transgender model Amanda Lepore out of his cover art. You can see the version with Amanda (looking amazing towards the left) on photographer David LaChapelle’s Instagram, here:
Meanwhile, here’s Travis’ version with Amanda cut out:
The decision to inexplicably remove Amanda from the image caused understandable backlash, including from Amanda herself, who wrote “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.”
Travis recently issued a response, expressing his respect for the LGBTQ community and saying that Amanda upstaged him.
“Thank you David Lachappelle and Amanda Lepore and everyone that came out to make all the covers and the vision come to life!!! ASTROWORLD IS ABOUT LOVE AND EXPRESSION NOT HATE! This is very important for me to speak up about: Growing up I’ve been taught to accept everyone, not to cast people away but bring them in your home! I have nothing but respect for the LGBTQ community. I want to use my voice to make it clear that everyone on this planet is as equal and fucking awesome to the next. Me and Lachappelle set out tooo (sic) create images that i grew up watching him create for years that inspire me today. Yo Amanda you did upstage everyone even me ?and i can’t wait for everyone to see the booklet that me and Dave put together that includes all these images. thank you for being apart (sic) of it. Sorry for the misunderstanding Love you guys and THANK YOU ALL!!! EVERY ONE IS WELCOME TO ASTROWORLD!” (Mehera Bonner)
