Kerry Washington happy with InStyle statement about skin tone photo

Actress Kerry Washington has applauded the editors of InStyle magazine for addressing a skin-tone argument, which has blown up following the release of her new cover shot.

The cover of the March 2015 issue, which appears to feature a lightened Washington, was released early on Thursday (05Feb15), prompting fans to criticize photo editors for doctoring the image to make the Scandal star look less black.

Publication bosses have been quick to respond to the backlash, insisting they never doctored the image.

A statement reads: "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. 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.”

And the actress was impressed with the response, taking to Twitter to write, "Beautiful statement. Thank u 4 opening this convo (conversation). Its an important 1 that needs to be had."