The photographer who accused W magazine of “clumsily” retouching its December covergirl, Demi Moore, is not backing down — despite being badgered by the actress’ pit-bull lawyer.
In November, fashion photographer Anthony Citrano complained that a portion of Moore’s left hip appeared to have been digitally erased on the cover.
“Did she have some sort of weird car accident that left a wedge of meat missing from it? The fabric even magically floats above the missing thigh,” Citrano wrote.
W creative director Dennis Freedman denied the claim, as did photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, who said, “When we met Demi for the W cover story, she was super-fit to start with . . . There was abso lutely no retouching on her hips or waist or legs!”
Last week, Citrano received a letter from Moore’s lawyer, Marty Singer, demanding a public apology. “As you are undoubtedly well aware, my client’s appearance is of great importance to her career and livelihood, and false claims or insinuations that she secretly uses extraordinarily artificial means to alter her appearance are extremely damaging,” Singer wrote.
On Monday, Citrano fired back, posting Singer’s confidential letter on his Web site, along with his response, which read: “Ms. Moore’s implication that her image went straight from camera to cover is incredible, whether she believes it or not. Simply put, this never happens.”
As for Singer’s demand for a retraction and an apology, Citrano added: “Neither of these will be forthcoming”
Most Web observers have sided with Citrano. One recently Tweeted, “sorrydemi that your self esteem is so low you can’t admit to a little Photoshopping,” adding “And ‘Ghost’ sucked.” A diplomatic Moore replied on Twitter, “Thank you.”