Did Elle Magazine Lighten Gabby Sidibe's Skin?

Gabourey Sidibe: rising star, Oscar nominee, magazine cover girl and... airbrush victim?

One of four cover models for Elle's 25th anniversary October issue, Sidibe appears on the front of the fashion magazine with what appears to be lighter skin. Critics say that the 'Big C' actress not only seems to have been digitally lightened, but that the plus-size star was not depicted in the same type of full-body photo as the other three cover models and that her hair style is unflattering.

In a statement, Elle said, "Nothing out of the ordinary was done. We have four separate covers this month and Gabby's cover was not retouched any more or less than the others... If you take a look at the portfolio, each of the women were shot in different ways and for different reasons."

If Sidibe's cover photo was airbrushed to make her skin appear lighter, it wouldn't be the first time black celebrities have had their photos altered in this way. L'Oreal came under fire in 2008 for a Beyoncé Knowles magazine ad in which the star looked several shades paler than she actually is.

Do you think Elle magazine airbrushed Sidibe so that her skin would appear lighter? Should she have been given the same type of cover as the other October cover models? Weigh in below!