‘I hate these photos’ – Fans react to badly-lit pictures of Simone Biles

Fans of Olympic gold medalist, Simone Biles, have reacted to badly-lit images of the 23-year-old on the cover of Vogue Magazine’s August issue. New York Times national picture editor, Morrigan McCarthy, believes the pictures did a disservice to the gymnast due to the dull background.

In a tweet, McCarthy said: “I adore Simone Biles and am thrilled she’s on this cover…but I hate these photos.”

“I hate the toning, I hate how predictable they are, I hate the social crop here and I super hate that Vogue couldn’t be bothered to hire a black photographer.”

While the criticism heightened, many also defended the photographer, Annie Leibovitz.

The no-holds-barred interview covered the postponed Olympics, her training during the Covid-19 pandemic, and overcoming abuse at a young age.

Biles told Vogue she was inspired by Gabby Douglas during the 2012 Olympics.

“Growing up, I didn’t see very many Black gymnasts.”

“So whenever I did, I felt really inspired to go out there and want to be as good as them. I remember watching Gabby Douglas win the 2012 Olympics, and I was like, ‘If she can do it, I can do it.'”

Biles who plans to retire after the 2021 Olympics has a combine total of 30 Olympic and World Championship medals.

She is the most decorated American gymnast and the world’s third most decorated gymnast, behind Belarus’ Vitaly Scherbo with 33 medals and Russia’s Larisa Latynina with 32 medals.

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