Rihanna topless magazine cover: Singer pushes Instagram too far, as social platform bans naked picture
The singer’s fondness of being naked doesn’t mesh with Instagram’s policies
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It might seem as though we see Rihanna’s bare chest more than we see our own, but the star’s latest topless photoshoot has pushed Instagram over the edge.
While the singer’s penchant for appearing without clothes is well-known, her most recent display of nudity violated Instagram’s code of conduct.
Rihanna Sued For 'Nauseatingly Offensive' Comments
The star shared a picture of her appearance on the cover of French magazine Lui, in which she appears in a hat and a pair of coral briefs. The image was shot by fashion photographer Mario Sorrenti.
However, nudity, partial nudity or sexually suggestive photographs are banned on Instagram and the social media platform temporarily closed her account until the risqué picture was removed.
“If you wouldn’t show the photo or video you are thinking about uploading to a child, or your boss, or your parents, you probably shouldn’t share it on Instagram,” reads Instagram’s community guidelines.
“The same rule applies to your profile photo. Accounts found sharing nudity or mature content will be disabled and your access to Instagram may be discontinued.”
She then posted the below image on her page and shared the original image on her Twitter feed instead:
It's a surprise that Instagram hasn't censored Rihanna's pictures before. If nudity and "mature content" is prohibited on the social media platform, then surely her shots of herself clutching Shakira's behind in bed are questionable, as are images of her straddling a surf board - paddle placed inbetween her legs, dubious-looking cigarette in hand.
READ MORE: WHY PATTI SMITH LOVES RIHANNA
RIHANNA CAUSES OUTRAGE IN ABU DHABI
HOW RIHANNA WAS LEFT 'EFFECTIVELY BANKRUPT'
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments