ROSÉ became the target of controversy after ELLE UK cropped her from a BLACKPINK photo at Paris Fashion Week. The removal drew accusations of racism and deliberate disrespect from fans worldwide. The growing debate has intensified conversations about media responsibility, representation, and cultural sensitivity.
ROSÉ and ELLE UK Spark Heated Debate


BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ found herself at the center of a heated debate when ELLE UK published a controversial photo edit. The original image, taken during the SAINT LAURENT 2026 S/S show in Paris, included ROSÉ alongside Hailey Bieber, Zoë Kravitz, and Charli XCX. Yet ELLE UK cropped out ROSÉ entirely, creating an uproar among international fans who quickly accused the magazine of intentional exclusion.
Fans Question ELLE UK and Support ROSÉ
The backlash intensified because ROSÉ was the only official global ambassador for SAINT LAURENT among the group. Many fans argued her removal felt even more deliberate given her official partnership with the brand. Outlets like W Magazine and Vogue Italia published the full version, showing ROSÉ standing confidently with the others. Fans flooded social media with messages of frustration and defense, questioning ELLE UK’s editorial judgment.
Growing Racism Accusations Surround ROSÉ and ELLE UK
International audiences filled comment sections with anger, demanding answers. Many labeled the edit racist, asking why ROSÉ alone was removed. Harsh words like “deliberate exclusion” and “racist behavior” echoed across online platforms. The uproar grew louder when Charli XCX posted another version of the group photo on her personal social media, where ROSÉ appeared unnaturally darkened. Clips also surfaced online, showing Charli speaking with others while seemingly ignoring ROSÉ. Fans condemned the behavior, framing it as both disrespectful and dismissive.
ROSÉ Faces Firestorm but Global Support Grows
The controversy did not weaken ROSÉ’s momentum as a global star. Supporters rallied online with encouragement, promising unwavering loyalty. Many fans expressed sympathy, insisting they wanted to embrace her and defend her against unfair treatment. Despite the noise, ROSÉ continues to expand her reach. She recently earned “Song of the Year” at the MTV Video Music Awards for A.P.T., her collaboration with Bruno Mars. She is also connecting with audiences across continents during BLACKPINK’s “DEADLINE” world tour, reminding everyone of her growing influence.
ELLE UK Faces Comparisons and Editorial Criticism
Other major magazines, including Harper’s Bazaar US, Vogue Japan, and Vogue Italia, shared the unedited group photo, featuring all four figures without alteration. Their decision highlighted the contrast with ELLE UK, fueling suspicion that its choice was not simple styling but an intentional edit. Some Korean online communities reacted differently, claiming the removal may have stemmed from aesthetic concerns rather than racial motives. Critics, however, strongly disagreed, stressing that such explanations minimized obvious discrimination. They argued that Korean audiences often dismiss racism instead of confronting it directly.
Calls for Accountability Toward ROSÉ Beyond the Edit
Even if the removal was made for visual balance, many believe ELLE UK should have acted responsibly. Informing ROSÉ beforehand, or using an alternate group photo, would have shown basic respect. Instead, the silent exclusion left fans frustrated and questioning editorial ethics. For many, this incident was not simply about one picture. It symbolized how Asian artists, even global icons like ROSÉ, continue facing dismissive treatment in Western media. The conversation now stretches beyond fashion, raising broader questions about inclusion, representation, and accountability.

The controversy erupted when ELLE UK cropped ROSÉ from a BLACKPINK group photo, and fans accused the edit of racism and disrespect.
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OMG, ELLE UK cropping out Rosé’s pic with zero warning is actual trash behavior. Is this racist or are they just straight-up ignoring her? 🤨 Either way, it’s unacceptable and they need to give her a public apology ASAP. 😡