Kerry Washington posted a sneak peak of her March InStyle cover to social media this week, sparking controversy among fans who noticed that the actress' skin appears to have been lightened.
The difference wasn't lost on dozens of commenters, while others were as "THRILLED" as the "Scandal" star, The Associated Press noted.
Wrote one sad fan: "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 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."
The Olivia Pope actress isn't a newcomer to cover controversy. Lucky magazine took some Photoshop heat for a Kerry December/January cover also declared unrecognizable by some in 2013.
The InStyle cover has her brightly lit in a white, shoulder-baring dress, hands on hips and hair windswept.
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