The Internets went crazy this week when a photo of an African woman promoting skin lightening cream turned viral. Dencia, a Cameroonian/Nigerian singer wearing a blond wig and bikini with her skin several shades lighter than its original hue, was promoting the Whitenicious cream thus angering many in social media.
Last week the artist put out a press release for the skin product, joining a growing number of similar companies ran by African entertainers.
From the release:
“Whitenicious by Dencia” for dark spots which clears dark spots caused by anything from acne, wounds, hyper-pigmentation bruises etc… on any part of the body. It works on all skin types including sensitive skin and “Whitenicious by Dencia” for dark knuckles, knees and elbows. A lot of people suffer from hyper-pigmentation on these areas and this product clears up the pigmentation to match the rest of your skin. It can be used on all skin types and everyone from white to black.
Naturally, the Internets responded by attacking the singer via Instagram, Twitter and throughout the blogosphere.
“Claim to be “natural” that Cameroonian didn’t look natural to me at all! Pretty soon all the ppl who have purchased products from this hot mess will pay for it.. Hope y’all don’t get skin cancer,” wrote one especially incensed person on Whitenicious’ Instagram feed.
“I can’t get over how beautiful she looks being brown,” tweeted @NaijaNupe_, who also featured a picture of Dencia before her controversial look in the Whitenicious ad photo.
Despite the hate from critics, Dencia is loving the attention and laughing all the way to the bank.
“S/0 to everyone supporting whitenicious & s/0 to those indirectly supporting but thinking they’re hating with PHD worthy Essays. #FreePress,” she tweeted on Wednesday (January 15).
Do you think Dencia’s Whitenicious is a good or bad thing? Let us know in the comments.
Hit the jump to see photos of Dencia and some of the hate she caught as well.
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Photos: Instagram, Twitter
