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Influencer Accused of Editing Face Onto Black Model's Body
Lauren Blake Boultier claims AI agency is responsible, but model Tatiana Elizabeth isn't buying the apology.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:10am
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A white influencer named Lauren Blake Boultier has admitted to editing her face onto a photo of Black model Tatiana Elizabeth, who had originally posted the image from the 2024 US Open. Boultier blamed the incident on a third-party AI content agency she works with, but Elizabeth has rejected the apology, saying Boultier is not being sincere and is just trying to move past the controversy.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the growing trend of AI-generated and heavily edited content on social media, where influencers are using technology to fabricate or alter their online personas. It also speaks to the ongoing issues of cultural appropriation and lack of representation for Black creators, who often have their work and likenesses used without credit or consent.
The details
Boultier, who has over 1.6 million social media followers, shared a photo last month suggesting she attended the Miami Open tennis tournament. However, users quickly pointed out that the image was actually taken at the 2024 US Open and belonged to model Tatiana Elizabeth, who had originally posted it. Boultier's face had been digitally edited onto Elizabeth's body. In an Instagram statement, Boultier took responsibility and said the incident was caused by a third-party AI agency she works with. But Elizabeth has rejected the apology, saying Boultier is not being sincere and is just trying to move past the controversy. Elizabeth, who was invited to the US Open by Serena Williams, says she has worked hard as a Black woman to achieve what she has, and she doesn't think it's okay for Boultier to just take that in an instant.
- In September 2024, Tatiana Elizabeth attended the US Open tennis tournament in New York City, sharing a photo of herself courtside.
- Last month, Lauren Blake Boultier had digitally altered Elizabeth's photo, editing her face onto Elizabeth's body.
The players
Lauren Blake Boultier
A white influencer with over 1.6 million social media followers who admitted to editing her face onto a photo of Black model Tatiana Elizabeth.
Tatiana Elizabeth
A Black model who originally posted the photo from the 2024 US Open that Boultier later edited her face onto. Elizabeth has rejected Boultier's apology, saying it is not sincere.
What they’re saying
“I want to address a recent post created by a third-party AI content agency I've been working with. It was brought to my attention that an image posted utilized the work and likeness of a Black creator in a way that is entirely inconsistent with my values. I take full responsibility for what appears on my platforms. I will have more oversight with my agency to ensure my content is handled with the integrity and respect it deserves moving forward. I am deeply sorry for the hurt this has caused the original creator and the community at large.”
— Lauren Blake Boultier, Influencer
“I don't think it's coming from a sincere place. I think she just wants the situation to blow over and to get back to scheduled programming. I don't think she was honest. I don't think she is authentic in her apology. I think she's just saying what she thinks she needs to say in order to move past this.”
— Tatiana Elizabeth, Model
What’s next
Elizabeth said she does not condone the online harassment directed at Boultier, but argued the backlash was a direct result of her actions — particularly after she tried to shift the blame on her team and AI.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the growing issue of AI-generated and heavily edited content on social media, where influencers are using technology to fabricate or alter their online personas. It also speaks to the ongoing problems of cultural appropriation and lack of representation for Black creators, who often have their work and likenesses used without credit or consent.
