Fashion powerhouse Vogue has found itself in hot water after eagle-eyed social media users accused the publication of digitally altering photographs of human rights lawyer Amal Clooney.
Digital Alteration Sparks Online Fury
The controversy erupted after Vogue shared two images to its Instagram feed featuring Amal Clooney speaking at the Prix Suisse event in Switzerland last Sunday. While the 47-year-old lawyer took to the stage to discuss her illustrious career and work with the Clooney Foundation for Justice, many followers became fixated on what they described as her unusually air-brushed appearance.
Known for her sculpted cheekbones and striking features, critics claimed they barely recognised Clooney in the magazine's post. One incensed user demanded, 'Why did they AI her face? She looks horrible. She's a 50-year-old woman so what you didn't need to make her look like she's 20.' Another directly questioned, 'Did Vogue just FaceTune Amal Clooney?'
The sentiment was echoed across numerous comments, with a third follower asking, 'Why did you face tune her???' and a fourth pleading, 'Please don't filter this stunning individual. Her brilliance is the focus.' One observer perfectly summarized the general reaction, writing, 'Honestly I thought it was someone else in the first pic!'
Fashion Focus Overshadows Substantive Speech
Adding another layer to the criticism, some commentators slammed Vogue for focusing predominantly on Clooney's attire rather than the content of her important speech. The human rights lawyer looked undeniably stunning in a plunging bright red Sergio Hudson jumpsuit, accessorised with gold earrings and heels, with her hair beautifully blown out.
However, the magazine's caption highlighted her fashion choices above all else: 'Over the weekend, Amal Clooney put a festive twist on her signature silhouette for an appearance at the 2025 Prix Suisse. Clooney addressed the crowd in a statement jumpsuit–a look she's made her public-speaking go-to.'
Eagle-eyed fans were quick to note that this eye-catching jumpsuit was not a new acquisition; the lawyer had previously worn the very same ensemble six years earlier at Meghan Markle's 2019 baby shower.
A Pattern of Public Scrutiny
This is not the first time Amal Clooney's appearance has been a topic of public discussion. Last August, the natural beauty was said to have 'upstaged' her movie-star husband, George Clooney, 64, at the Venice Film Festival premiere of his film, Jay Kelly.
For that event, the mother-of-two wore a stunning fuchsia mini dress with a dramatic train. Her age-defying looks at the time were reportedly attributed to a pricey, non-surgical facelift she underwent beforehand. Clooney allegedly had a 111SKIN treatment, which involved 'wrinkle-minimizing wand movements' and a facial massage. The products for this treatment cost just under $3,000, with the 90-minute procedure itself costing around $315.
Beyond the headlines about her looks, Amal Clooney remains an extraordinarily accomplished individual. She has represented several high-profile clients, including former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
The Beirut-born lawyer, who moved to the UK at age two to escape the Lebanese War, holds prestigious academic positions. She is an adjunct law professor at Columbia Law School and a Visiting Professor of Practice at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. She shares eight-year-old twins, Alexander and Ella, with her husband of 11 years.
The Daily Mail has approached representatives for Amal Clooney and Conde Nast, Vogue's parent company, for comment.
