The transformation is pretty stark, even though it’s unclear if Kim has just used hair dye, new make-up and some serious filters.

But the reaction on social media, and the consequent media coverage, was even more shocking - as it was almost entirely critical.

“Why is Lil' Kim white?” asked the internet. “She just lost so much respect in my books.” People wanted to know why the singer given in to 'white pressures', why she wasn’t proud to be a black woman, where her #BlackGirlMagic had gone.

Had she not thought about the example this would set? What was her problem?

We don’t know exactly what Lil' Kim has done or why, but what's obvious is that there's massive pressure on non-white girls and women to appear white. If one woman - a powerful celebrity, with a platform and voice - has given in to this, why on earth are people criticising her instead of the societal expectations so clearly at fault?