A few months back, a supposedly un-Photoshopped photo of Cindy Crawford emerged showcasing the gorgeous model posing for a Marie Claire shoot in Mexico. At the time, Crawford didn't say anything to the press about the unauthorized release, but now, Crawford says the unretouched photo made her feel "conflicted" on how to respond. While the internet's general reaction to the image was one of support for the 49-year-old model and mother, Crawford's reaction to the release wasn't quite as positive.
When the supermodel's photos hit the internet, many major media outlets and Internet commentators rallied behind the gorgeous woman who they believed was taking a stance for body positivity. It was this reaction that made Crawford feel so "conflicted" about the images. Crawford says she didn't authorize the release and explains that seeing an unflattering image of yourself is never fun. She says, "Why would seeing a bad picture of me make other people feel good? I felt blindsided. I was very conflicted, to be honest."
I totally understand where Crawford is coming from with her reaction to the photo. Despite the fact that the masses praised her, this wasn't an image she authorized for release, and I'm sure it was shocking for her to see what she considered an unflattering image all over the internet.
While Crawford's reaction is understandable, it is slightly disappointing to hear Crawford explain that she wouldn't have released the photo on her own, and to learn that according to the model, the image was edited to enhance whatever flaws may have been visible. She explained to Elle Canada , "I don't try to present myself as perfect. It put me in a tough spot: I couldn't come out against it because I'm rejecting all these people who felt good about it, but I also didn't embrace it because it wasn't real—and even if it were real, I wouldn't have wanted it out there. I felt really manipulated and conflicted, so I kept my mouth shut."
Still, I personally am a little bummed she's come out against the photo. After all, the model looked amazing in the leaked image and had it been her decision to release the image, the photo could be an incredible body and age positive stance in an industry so obsessed with youth and perfection.
Despite my disappointment, I don't want to spend time criticizing Crawford who has already admitted to being hesitant about discussing the image. This was a photo that was not authorized and then subsequently released to the public blindsiding the gorgeous model. Crawford is right — no one wants a photo they perceive as unflattering to go viral, and that's exactly what happened to the star. Her response to the photo shouldn't undermine the positive impact that it had on others. After all, the model has been age positive in the past, posting makeup-free selfies on her Instagram. What I think this boils down to is that releasing images of women without their permission just isn't a cool move, regardless of whatever impact it has on the public.
