India.Arie has been accused of lightning her skin for the cover of her latest single "Cocoa Butter" and the singer is coming forward to deny those claims. In a string of Twitter and Facebook posts, she explained why her skin appeared lighter than normal and assured the public that she loves her brown skin.
"Love to all #SoulBirdsWorldWide are you ready for this #SongVersation ?" she wrote on both social media sites. "Personally speaking! I'm happy to say I have NOT BLEACHED my skin LOL! ROTF at the thought."
She then listed the reasons why the rumors aren't true.
"1. I wouldn't endanger my health that way
2. I'm so in love with myself I have no DESIRE to BLEACH myself.

3. The GLOW you see IS (magnificent) lighting

4. THE LIGHT you see, Well that's all ME!!"
The "I Am Not My Hair" singer raised eyebrows by signing off on a cover that didn't match her skin's color tone especially when she was an outspoken critic against Zoe Saldana playing Nina Simone in the biopic.
"Politically speaking racism/colorism in the Black community is a MUUUUUUUCH larger #SongVersation #skinversation...THAT I'd LOVE to 'shed light on'...that conversation IS REAL, ...let's keep talking. #soulbirdsworldwide," she signed off.
What do you think of the skin lightening criticisms?
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(Photos from left: Brad Barket/Getty Images for BET, Universal Republic Records)