Kerry Washington blasts Adweek magazine for photoshopping her latest cover shoot. “You know me. I’m not one to be quiet about a magazine cover,” the “Scandal” actress began in an Instagram post on Tuesday, April 5, discussing the recent issue.
She went on to say it “felt strange” to see herself grace the cover, as it was “so different from what I look like when I look in the mirror” adding that it was “an unfortunate feeling.” In fact, the 39-year-old star said it isn’t the first time that she’s come across her image being altered.
“So…You know me. I’m not one to be quiet about a magazine cover. I always celebrate it when a respected publication invites me to grace their pages. It’s an honor. And a privilege. And ADWEEK is no exception. I love ADWEEK. It’s a publication I appreciate. And learn from. I’ve long followed them on Twitter. And when they invited me to do a cover, I was excited and thrilled. And the truth is, I’m still excited. I’m proud of the article. And I like some of the inside images a great deal. But, I have to be honest…I was taken aback by the cover. Look, I’m no stranger to Photoshopping. It happens a lot. In a way, we have become a society of picture adjusters – who doesn’t love a filter?!? And I don’t always take these adjustments to task but I have had the opportunity to address the impact of my altered image in the past and I think it’s a valuable conversation. Yesterday, however, I just felt weary. It felt strange to look at a picture of myself that is so different from what I look like when I look in the mirror. It’s an unfortunate feeling. That being said. You all have been very kind and supportive. Also, as I’ve said, I’m very proud of the article. There are a few things we discussed in the interview that were left out. Things that are important to me (like: the importance of strong professional support and my awesome professional team) and I’ve been thinking about how to discuss those things with anyone who is interested, in an alternate forum. But until then…Grab this week’s ADWEEK. Read it. I hope you enjoy it. And thank you for being patient with me while I figured out how to post this in a way that felt both celebratory and honest. XOXOXOX”
However, at the end of the day, the mother of one revealed that she’s still “proud” of the article. “I’m very proud of the article. There are a few things we discussed in the interview that were left out. Things that are important to me (like: the importance of strong professional support and my awesome professional team) and I’ve been thinking about how to discuss those things with anyone who is interested, in an alternate forum. But until then…Grab this week’s ADWEEK,” the actress wrote.
Meanwhile, Adweek editorial director Jim Cooper responded to Washington’s comments on Twitter writing, “Happy @kerrywashington was proud of her Adweek profile, sad cover misses for her. Added volume to hair for dramatic effect. No disrespect.”
Of course, Washington is just one of many celebs to call out publications for photoshopping their seemingly perfect bodies. Most recently, former Disney star Zendaya called out independent print and digital fashion magazine Modeliste for manipulating her image.
“Had a new shoot come out today and was shocked when I found my 19 year old hips and torso quite manipulated. These are the things that make women self conscious, that create the unrealistic ideals of beauty that we have. Anyone who knows who I am knows I stand for honest and pure self love. So I took it upon myself to release the real pic (right side) and I love it?? Thank you @modelistemagazine for pulling down the images and fixing this retouch issue,” the Zapped star wrote via Instagram.
Of course, Washington’s recent photoshopping controversy fuels the ongoing debate that Hollywood is responsible for infecting today’s youth with unrealitic body images, creating a rise in body dysphoria, anorexia, and other eating disorders.
What are your thoughts on AdWeek magazine’s recent cover controversy? Sound off in the comment section below.
