Did InStyle lighten Kerry Washington’s skin for their March 2015 cover?
When Kerry Washington debuted her March 2015 InStyle cover on Wednesday, she may not have anticipated the coming backlash.
“I’m THRILLED to share with you all that I’m on the cover of this year’s March @instylemagazine,” the Scandal star said of the cover on Instagram. “Can’t wait for you guys to see it and read it! So honored. And crazy excited.”
The problem is, as some quickly pointed out, Kerry’s skin looks a little lighter than usual.
“Don’t be honored this doesn’t look like you,” one commented on Instagram. “Your skin tone looks beautiful on u this pale person looks like someone else.”
Another added, “Very pretty just wished they didn’t add so much light doing photo shop.”
With such fast and furious backlash, the InStyle editors took notice — and tried to defend the image in a statement.
We have heard from those who have spoken out about our newsstand cover photograph, concerned that Kerry’s skin tone was 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.
Kerry showed she stands with the magazine by tweeting a link to the explanation. She added, “Beautiful statement. Thank u 4 opening this convo. Its an important 1 that needs to be had.”
