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New York — Kerry Washington took to social media late on Wednesday to gush about her March cover for InStyle magazine.
But her skin tone in the image she posted on Instagram appeared significantly lighter than in real life.
.@KerryWashington gets ultraglam inside our March issue! Go inside: http://t.co/gKOO6ZLmDv pic.twitter.com/I8PmNnSGFg
— InStyle (@InStyle) February 6, 2015The difference wasn't lost on dozens of commenters, while others were as "THRILLED" as the Scandal star.
A fan commented: "Glad you made the cover kerry, but this isn't right. I'm sorry. It's not. Don't let them do that to you." Another chimed in: "Why is she white in this picture."
Some negative comments were later removed.
InStyle said in a statement on Thursday that it, too, fielded complaints from people concerned that Washington's skin was deliberately lightened.
"While we did not digitally lighten Kerry's skin tone, our cover lighting has likely contributed to this concern. We understand that this has resulted in disappointment and hurt. We are listening, and the feedback has been valuable.
We are committed to ensuring that this experience has a positive influence on the ways in which we present all women going forward," the magazine said.
Washington later tweeted the magazine's explanation in full, adding: "Beautiful statement. Thank u 4 opening this convo. Its an important 1 that needs to be had. (sic)"
“@InStyle: On KWs Cover: http://t.co/NKzbNwimYP” Beautiful statement. Thank u 4 opening this convo. Its an important 1 that needs to be had.
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) February 5, 2015The Scandal actress isn't a newcomer to cover controversy. Lucky magazine took some Photoshop heat for a Kerry December/January cover also declared unrecognisable by some in 2013.
(Lucky magazine, Patrick Demarchelier)
