Reports of a behind-the-scenes drama surfaced following the release of Billie Eilish's third studio album, Hit Me Hard And Soft, which debuted on May 17th.
Photographer Shayan Asgharnia purportedly cut ties with Los Angeles magazine following allegations that the publication granted Billie Eilish's team final approval of her cover story.
Reportedly deeply dismayed by the decision, the 34-year-old photographer reportedly chose to "pull his name from the finished product and end his working relationship with the magazine altogether."
Shirley Halperin, the magazine's Editor-in-Chief, confirmed in an email to The Daily Beast that Asgharnia requested his credit to be removed from the December shoot as it went to press, although she stated she was unaware of the specific reasons behind his decision.
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Halperin elaborated that Los Angeles magazine did collaborate "closely" with the 22-year-old superstar's team for the shoot, noting that such collaboration is standard practice with high-profile talent.
However, the editor refuted claims to The Daily Beast, stating that "Eilish or her team had cover approval or creative control."
Additionally, the publication conversed with a representative for Eilish, who characterized the cover as a "unique collaboration" and emphasized that it was a "collaborative affair." The representative explicitly refuted any assertion that they were granted "final approval" on the cover.
Meanwhile, a source disclosed to The Daily Beast that the decision by the magazine to grant Eilish's team final approval "without prior consultation" left Asgharnia displeased. According to the insider, during the shoot, "Eilish's publicist attempted to assert control over the artistic direction before ultimately demanding approval over the final photos."
When approached by The Daily Beast regarding these allegations, Akili Ramsess, the executive director for the National Press Photographers Association, remarked that the "incident constitutes a breach of industry standards."
Ramsess explained, "You hire a specific photographer for the specific type of talent and skills that you've observed from previous assignments that you've had with them," adding that such actions fracture the relationship between the photographer and the magazine.
The specific December 2023 edition of Los Angeles magazine explored the vibrant and compassionate realm of veganism through the cover star Billie Eilish, has been a dedicated vegan since the age of 12, preceding even her first song.
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