India.Arie Laughs Off Skin-Lightening Rumors

India.Arie is laughing off talk that she may have lightened her skin.

The R&B songstress is known for singing about being authentic and celebrating one's true self. But some accused India.Arie of lightening her skin when a publicity photo for her song "Cocoa Butter" released this week made it look as though she were several shades lighter than her dark brown complexion.

Personally speaking! i'm happy to say I have NOT BLEACHED my skin LOL!ROTF at the thought.

— India.Arie (@indiaarie) March 29, 2013

But India.Arie took to Twitter on Friday to deny the accusations, saying she has no desire to bleach her skin because she loves herself and her brown skin "more than ever." She also said that "magnificent lighting" is the cause for her "glow."

1. I wouldn't endanger my health that way 2. i'm so in love with myself I have no DESIREto BLEACH myself. Lol

— India.Arie (@indiaarie) March 29, 2013

3. The GLOW you see IS (magnificent) lighting 4.THE LIGHT you see,Well thats all ME!!

— India.Arie (@indiaarie) March 29, 2013

She added that she'd like to keep the conversation going, though, on the issue of racism and colorism in the black community.

politically speaking racism/colorism in the black community is a MUUUUUUUCH larger #SongVersation #skinversaton

— India.Arie (@indiaarie) March 29, 2013

THAT I'd LOVE to "shed light on"..that conversation IS REAL, ...let's keep talking. #SongVersation #soulbirdsworldwide

— India.Arie (@indiaarie) March 29, 2013