Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 7, 2025 · Entertainment

Vogue Cover Controversy: Anne Hathaway's Photo Sparks Outrage!

Vogue readers have been left in uproar over the magazine's new cover featuring Anne Hathaway - with many blaming celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz for its 'awful' visuals

Vogue Cover Scandal: Annie Leibovitz's "Awful" Photography Leaves Fans Fuming

The fashion world is abuzz with controversy as Vogue readers express outrage over the magazine's latest cover featuring none other than Oscar-winning actress Anne Hathaway, 42. The issue, set to hit newsstands nationwide on July 15, showcases Hathaway in a stunning white high-neck top with intricate floral embroidery and a dramatic pose that has left fans both impressed and appalled.

But what's got everyone talking is the "awful" photography by celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz, 74. The veteran snapper is known for her over-the-top shoots of A-list celebrities like Beyoncé, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Taylor Swift. However, fans are quick to point out that this time around, Leibovitz may have gone too far.

The Oscar-winning actress, 42, was front and center on the latest issue of the iconic fashion magazine which will be available on newsstands nationwide on July 15

The Lighting Fiasco

Redditors were swift to slam the cover, calling it "unflattering" and "terrible." Many took aim at Leibovitz's lighting choices, which some argue made Hathaway's skin tone look dull and unappealing. One user sarcastically joked that the photo looked like it was taken from the set of a Twilight movie, complete with an angsty, brooding Bella Swan-esque vibe.

"It's like they just copy-pasted her into the picture," another commenter wrote, while a third fan shared: "Annie Leibovitz is right up there with Andrew Lloyd Webber on the master list of 'Chronically Overhyped and Overrated.'"

The cover saw Anne wearing a white high-neck top that boasted intricate floral embroidery as oodles of material floated around her

Leibovitz's Reputation Takes a Hit

This isn't the first time Leibovitz has faced criticism. In 2022, The Guardian called her pictures of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson "a disaster" and "dull." Other celebrities, including Simone Biles, Serena Williams, and Rihanna, have also been subject to scathing reviews from fans who claim Leibovitz's photography skills leave much to be desired.

Is Leibovitz Losing Her Touch?

Despite her impressive portfolio of A-list clients, some fans are beginning to wonder if Leibovitz is losing her touch. One Redditor joked: "I take back what I said about Annie Leibovitz. You have to be really skilled to make Anne Hathaway look bad." The comment has sparked a heated debate on the thread, with some defending Leibovitz's work and others accusing her of relying too heavily on Photoshop.

The Verdict

So, is this cover a masterpiece or a monstrosity? While some fans are praising Hathaway's stunning looks and the magazine's bold fashion choices, many are left scratching their heads over Leibovitz's "awful" photography. As one user aptly put it: "She's incredibly beautiful and none of these photographs are capturing it."

Only time will tell if this controversy will damage Leibovitz's reputation or fuel a renewed interest in her work. One thing's for sure, though – the fashion world is buzzing with debate over this Vogue cover scandal.