Here’s Why Trans Model Amanda Lepore Was Removed From Travis Scott’s Astroworld Cover

Travis Scott's third studio album, Astroworld, is on the eve of its release. Although, the album art — shot by photographer/director David LaChapelle, who's worked with musicians ranging from Britney Spears to Elton John — has been at the heart of a controversy associated with accusations of transphobia this week.


On Instagram Wednesday (August 1), legendary transgender model Amanda Lepore shared a photo of the album cover, which featured her in the carnival scene. Although, as soon as Travis later posted the photograph to his own accounts, Lepore was absent.


"It was fantastic being piece of @david_lachapelle's incredible photograph of @travisscott's album cover nevertheless I'm curious why I'm not on the picture @travisscott posted," Lapore wrote. "A girl can't help it. Also distracting for the eyes. Upstaged each person in the photograph. Oh well........... I love @david_lachapelle and @travisscott Love and kisses."


Right now, LaChapelle is responding on Instagram to the growing outrage. "No Amanda was taken out because she just upstaged every one lol," LaChapelle told one follower.


"Everybody wants to explain everything with some phobia or whichever he said to another fan. "This is just a case of something else she can't just can't seem to control lol ain't nothing to do with hating."


Astroworld drops tomorrow (August 3). Hopefully the album doesn't conjure up anymore controversy.