ELLE is once again at the center of a cover controversy. Last year, the mag took heat for having plus-sized actress Melissa McCarthy don a trench coat on the cover, which was one of several covers that month for the Women in Hollywood ish. Now, the mag is being criticized for an up close, black and white shot of actress Mindy Kaling - which some critics say is yet another attempt to cover up a full-figured actress.

For the February Women in TV issue, there are four covers, each featuring Kaling, Amy Poehler, Zooey Deschanel and Allison Williams. Kaling's cover is black and white and close up, as opposed to being a body or a torso shot like the other actresses' covers -- and people are going nuts for several reasons.

The Gloss reports that many critics see it as a weight thing. Second, they are incensed that a woman of color – Kaling is Indian — has a black and white cover when the others do not.

Let's stop for a second to think that maybe Kaling's cover is different because she wanted it to be. She could have had a say in how she was presented.

Maybe hers stands out from the others, which look like any other women's mag cover. Kaling's cover is striking for its B&W presentation and her gorgeous face. Maybe her face carried a cover better than a body shot, regardless of her shape or curves.

Her image is much artsier than any of the others for this particular issue and totally stands out to us. Her presentation is lovely. She's smoldering, stunning and totally captures our attention. Check out that stare.

Elle have since released the following statement: "Mindy looks sexy, beautiful and chic. We think it is a striking and sophisticated cover and are thrilled to celebrate her in our Women in TV Issue."

PopCrushers, what do you think about Kaling cover drama? Is it warranted or blown out of proportion? Tell us in the comments below.

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