Paris Jackson has apologised after facing backlash for appearing on the cover of Harper's Bazaar Singapore magazine.
Jackson, daughter of the late pop superstar Michael Jackson, has been an outspoken supporter of the LGBT+ community. She's now being criticised for appearing on the cover of a magazine in a country where homosexuality is illegal.
The 20-year-old actress and activist confirmed to her fans on Instagram last month that she is bisexual.
In an op-ed by Gay Star News' entertainment editor, Jackson has been called "hypocritical" for appearing on the cover of Harper's Bazaar Singapore. The author, Jamie Tabberer, points out that homosexuality in Singapore is illegal and punishable by up to two years in prison.
"As a member of the [LGBT] community, her decision is all the more disappointing," Mr Tabberer wrote, criticising Ms Jackson for not addressing Singapore's anti-LGBT+ laws when speaking to the magazine.
Mr Tabberer slammed Jackson for sharing an image of her magazine cover alongside the caption "honoured and grateful". He said she made "no reference to the fact that same-sex sex is illegal in Singapore," and that she missed the opportunity to make a difference.
Jackson took to Twitter to apologise to her 1.31 million followers. She deleted the original post and said she's "deeply sorry" and "didn't mean to be hypocritical or hurt anyone".
Another LGBT+ publication, TheGayUK Magazine, came to Ms Jackson's defence, urging the activist not to delete her post, and saying her magazine cover could give "countless young LGBT+ people in Singapore hope and courage".
"Regardless of whether you talk about rights or not," the publication said on Twitter, "people don't live in a bubble and can follow you on your socials to find out more about your passions."
Jackson has been romantically linked to British supermodel Cara Delevingne, 25. The two were spotted partying together at a New York City nightclub in May, and Jackson posted an image to Instagram of Delevingne kissing what appears to be a tattoo on her back.
The publisher of Harper's Bazaar, Hearst, told the BBC that Jackson would be appearing on September magazine covers for seven other countries, including Brazil, Poland and Spain.
Jackson said her support for her fellow LGBT+ community "comes first" before her love for fashion and gratitude for the opportunity to grace the Harper's Bazaar Singapore magazine cover.
In Singapore, male same-sex relationships are prohibited and are punishable by up to two years in prison. However, female same-sex relationships are allowed.
However in the past, the Singapore government has said it would "not take a proactive approach" towards enforcing the relevant legislation.
Newshub.
