Gigi Hadid, Vogue Italia apologize for darkened skin tone

MILAN (AP) - Model Gigi Hadid and Vogue Italia have separately apologized for the May Vogue Italia cover showing the top model with a darker skin tone and hair color that set off a social media backlash.

Hadid, in a post on Instagram Thursday, said diversity in the fashion industry needs to be addressed and she does not want "to take opportunities away from anyone else."

Vogue Italia said photographer Steven Klein's "vision was to create a beachwear-themed story with a stylized bronzing effect," adding that "we understand that the result has caused some debate with our readers, and we sincerely apologize if we have caused any offense."

The cover shows the normally blond Hadid with dark hair and heavily bronzed skin, wearing a tiara and sequined jumpsuit.