These two magazine covers released in June 1994 both portrayed O.J. Simpson after his arrest by the Los Angeles Police Department. Simpson, who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons, and is regarded as one of the greatest running backs of all time, was arrested in June 1994 for the murders of his former wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman. Considered one of the largest news stories of the 1990s, the case has been widely referenced and depicted in media. Time magazine faced criticism for digitally altering Simpson’s mugshot to darken his skin, make him look unshaven, and appear more blurred; however, the magazine later withdrew the issue and replaced it with an unaltered photo of Simpson.

What is the difference between the two magazine covers?

Why do you think Time magazine was critiqued for their cover?

You can read Time Magazine’s response to the controversy here, what do you think of this statement?

Can you think of other instances when images are manipulated that have or have not been subject to criticism?