Queen Latifah Reveals Why She’ll Never Hide Her Scar: ‘It Gives My Face Character’

Queen Latifah has always been known for her authenticity, powerful performances, and radiant smile—but there’s another feature that sets her apart: a noticeable scar on her forehead. What makes this scar even more unique is the fact that the iconic entertainer has had it since she was just three years old.

In an interview with The New York Times Magazine, Queen Latifah shared the story behind the scar, which she considers a defining mark of her character. While playing tag with her brother as a young child, she tripped over a telephone cord and collided with the corner of a bathroom wall, which left her with three stitches. But that wasn’t the end of her misadventures. She later fell on her grandmother’s steps, causing the wound to reopen and requiring more attention.

Though it might seem like the scar could be a result of childhood punishment, Queen Latifah explained that it was simply a consequence of her “clumsy” nature. “I was a clumsy child. It took me a while to catch up,” she laughed, acknowledging her youthful missteps.

As an adult, Queen Latifah has learned to embrace her scar as part of who she is. In a conversation with InStyle, she explained that she would never hide it, saying, “I’d never cover it up… it gives my face character.” Despite her high-profile career and magazine covers, Queen Latifah never felt the need to conceal her scar or feel ashamed of it.

In fact, the star has even spoken out against photo-editing practices that airbrush or remove such imperfections. While she acknowledges that some publications have edited her scar out in the past, she has made it clear that she doesn’t approve of these alterations. “I don’t think we should try to make everything look perfect,” she shared in a Variety interview. For Queen Latifah, imperfections are what make us human and beautiful. She believes that many people can relate to these features and shouldn’t feel ashamed of them.

Queen Latifah’s perspective on beauty, confidence, and self-acceptance is inspiring, as she challenges society’s often unrealistic standards. By embracing her scar, she reminds us that our so-called “flaws” are what make us unique, giving us character and strength. And perhaps, in a world that often strives for perfection, that’s the most beautiful thing of all.