Fan fury over Kerry Washington's 'lightened' skin tone on InStyle's cover

Kerry Washington made the March issue cover of InStyle magazine, but it seems like everyone is not happy with it, as fans have criticized the actress' "lightened skin tone."

According to the New York Post, the 38-year-old actress had released the image via Instagram, writing that she was "THRILLED" to share it, but fans expressed their outrage saying things like "Very sad to see this cover. Way too much photoshop!!."

Another fan posted "Looks like a white woman with no cheekbones," while one said "Why would you lighten her skin that much?! She is gorgeous just the way she is!!!!"

After all the criticism, the magazine released a statement on its website, saying: "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."

The "Scandal" star responded to the magazine's statement calling it "beautiful," extending her thanks saying that this was important to be done.