From Kylie Jenner to Rihanna, the most controversial magazine covers ever

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It’s been a banner week for talking point magazine covers. First, Paris Hilton’s nude shoot for one of Paper’s Fandemonium issues reminded us of Kim Kardashian’s famous pose for the same publication, while Kylie Jenner’s shot for Interview raised eyebrows for...many reasons.

But mission accomplished. If the goal of each magazine was to get people talking (which ultimately helps sell copies), why wouldn’t they take risks with cover stars willing to do the same? However, where Paris Hilton’s comeback shows a maturity that wasn’t necessarily present in her heyday, Jenner’s shoot raises some questions. First, why a wheelchair? Second, how many people approved this concept (and how did/does Kylie feel about it)? Lastly, where do we draw the line between artistic and offensive?

So as most pop culture controversies do, these both reminded us of the fashion industry’s rich history of making us talk about artistic concepts (and why they’re so great or completely off-point). Here are 11 of the most controversial magazine covers ever.

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most controversial magazine covers britney spears rolling stone

Britney Spears, Rolling Stone In March of 1999, Britney Spears made her Rolling Stone cover debut, and despite the singer being 17, she was arguably made to look much younger thanks to the Teletubby in her arms. Highlight of the piece? Britney’s disbelief at the controversy of “Baby . . . One More Time.” “All I did was tie-up my shirt!” she mused.