Vogue controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2021
Vogue responds to Kamala Harris cover criticism
Company response
In January 2021, Vogue faced criticism over the print cover image it selected of Kamala Harris. In response, the magazine issued a statement saying it valued the informal image and would celebrate both images as digital covers. The statement addressed the controversy surrounding the cover choice without adding further details about the selection process or the individuals involved.
After criticism of its selected print cover image of Kamala Harris, Vogue issued a statement saying it valued the informal image and would celebrate both images as digital covers.
Company response
Clarification — Vogue
Vogue responded to the controversy on Monday with a statement, noting that the shot of her in the blue suit is also on a digital cover of the issue.
Source excerpt
Vogue responded to the controversy on Monday with a statement, noting that the shot of her in the blue suit is also on a digital cover of the issue.
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris covers the February issue of Vogue, but her team -- and plenty of social media users -- aren't happy with the shot the magazine selected.
To respond to the seriousness of this moment in history, and the role she has to play leading our country forward, we're celebrating both images of her as covers digitally.
2020
Vogue Editor-in-Chief Apologizes and Acknowledges Shortcomings
Company response
In June 2020, Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of US Vogue, apologized to staff for publishing hurtful or intolerant material. She also acknowledged that Vogue had not done enough to elevate Black editors, writers, photographers, designers, and other creators. The apology addressed both the magazine's published content and its record in supporting Black talent within the industry.
Company response
Apology — Vogue
Wintour apologised to the staff at the magazine for “publishing images or stories that have been hurtful or intolerant”
Source excerpt
I want to say plainly that I know Vogue has not found enough ways to elevate and give space to black editors, writers, photographers, designers and other creators.
Wintour apologised to the staff at the magazine for “publishing images or stories that have been hurtful or intolerant”, while also admitting that she hired lesser employees of colour.
2020
Vogue editor acknowledges racial representation failures and apologizes
Company response
In an internal email, Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour acknowledged that the magazine had not done enough to elevate Black voices and had published images or stories that were hurtful or intolerant, and took responsibility for those mistakes. The report also says she noted that Vogue had too few Black employees.
Company response
Apology — Vogue
Vogue's Anna Wintour has apologized in an internal email for "mistakes" made in her 32-year tenure in not doing enough to elevate black voices on her staff and publishing images and stories that have been racially and culturally "hurtful or intolerant."
Source excerpt
Vogue's Anna Wintour has apologized in an internal email for "mistakes" made in her 32-year tenure in not doing enough to elevate black voices on her staff and publishing images and stories that have been racially and culturally "hurtful or intolerant."
She wrote: "Meanwhile, I want to say plainly that I know Vogue has not found enough ways to elevate and give space to Black editors, writers, photographers, designers and other creators. We have made mistakes too, publishing images or stories that have been hurtful or intolerant. I take full responsibility for those mistakes."
The fashion doyenne wrote in the June 4 email: “I take full responsibility for those mistakes.”