Blackhair magazine says it 'wasn't aware' its latest cover model wasn't black

Blackhair magazine has apologised to readers after it mistakenly used a woman who wasn't black on the cover of its current issue.

It says the photo was submitted by a supplier who'd been asked for images of black or mixed race women.

The model, Emily Bador, has apologised and revealed that she had no idea her photo was being used.

Emily is mixed heritage - half-British/half-Malaysian - and says the photo was taken in 2015.

The 19-year-old apologised on Instagram while the magazine wrote its message on Facebook, thanking Emily for bringing the issue to their attention.

"I would deeply and sincerely like to apologise to everyone for this, and black women especially," Emily wrote.

"I would like to clarify, I believe this shoot is from when I was around 15 and didn't understand cultural appropriation or the impact it has on POC.

"I hold up my hands, I'm so, so, so sorry and I'm very sorry this cover was taken away from a black woman.

This is what Emily normally looks like.

"If I had known it was going to be published, I would never have condoned it. I'm upset and angry I was never asked by the photographer/hair salon/anyone if this image could be used for the cover Blackhair."

In its explanation, the magazine suggests that the use of Emily's photo could become part of an ongoing discussion around black identity in the UK.

Read Blackhair magazine's statement.

"We are keenly aware of how black women are underrepresented in mainstream media and the last thing we want to do is add to our erasure," writes editor Keysha Davis.

"In this ever changing world, race will surely become even more fluid and no doubt conversations around black identity will continue to change, and we definitely welcome the dialogue."

Emily posted her apology on 21 November and has since said she has been "overwhelmed" by the response.

This is Emily's post after her apology.

"I'm so glad the message is being shared and I really hope it can educate others and to remind us of the responsibility we have to be an ally when we're in a position of privilege," she wrote in a follow-up post on Instagram.

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