Magazine Under Fire for Making Kerry Washington Appear ‘Too White’

Actress Kerry Washington’s new InStyle cover is receiving a backlash from critics, who say the fashion magazine intentionally edited her image in order to make her appear more “white.”

The March issue of the magazine drew the ire of social media users, because it reportedly shows Washington much lighter than she is in person.

“You mean to tell me your editors saw fit to Photoshop @kerrywashington to the point where not only is her completion is severely lightened but the ENTIRE character of her face is altered?’ a Twitter user posted.

“Your magazine needs to issue a statement of apology not only to your readers but to Kerry Washington as well,” the woman continued.

Another woman said she would boycotting the magazine indefinately, adding that she was “disgusted” at the magazine’s editors.

“Sooooo what you guys do it brighten the photo to a point that Kerry looks WHITE!?? Never buying your magazine again. I’m DISGUSTED! #BLACKISBEAUTIFUL!’ she wrote.

Another user added: “They removed everything that makes her Kerry. Why the lighter skin, why the thinner lips? Lord forgive them.”

InStyle responded to the controversy, saying, “We are super fans of Kerry Washington here at InStyle. To feature her on the cover of our March spring fashion issue is both an honor and a delight… While we did not digitally lighten Kerry’s skin tone, our cover lighting has likely contributed to this concern.”

The statement continued: “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.”

Washington, who is best known for roles in The Last King of Scotland and Django Unchained, followed up the InStyle statement by tweeting:

“@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, 2015