AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

YESTERDAY, SCANDAL ACTRESS Kerry Washington shared an image of her InStyle cover with her 1 million followers on Instagram.

“I’m THRILLED to share with you all that I’m on the cover of this year’s March @instylemagazine,” she wrote, adding that she was “honoured” to be featured on the cover.

Kerry Washington / Instagram Kerry Washington / Instagram / Instagram

However, fans quickly commented that it appeared as though the actress’ skin tone had been significantly altered.

One fan commented that she looked “bleached”.

In Style editors didn’t think we would notice the bleached the hell outta you! I love you but this is some bull****!

While another wrote that it didn’t look like her.

Don’t be honored this doesn’t look like you… Your skin tone looks beautiful on u this pale person looks like someone else

In response to the concern, InStyle quickly issued a statement saying that they did not “digitally lighten” her skin tone, but that the cover lighting likely affected the appearance.

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.

Washington later shared the statement and thanked the magazine for starting a conversation.

InStyle are not the first magazine to be accused of lightening skin colour on their covers. Elle has previously come under fire for covers featuring Oscar-nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe and Mindy Kaling.

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