Was Kerry Washington’s Skin Lightened for Entertainment Weekly Cover?

An Entertainment Weekly cover shot featuring Kerry Washington has readers questioning whether theÂ Scandal star was digitally lightened, the Grio reports.

WriterÂ Jessica Wakeman of “The Frisky” noted, “you’ll notice Washington’s looking a lot lighter-skinned than her usual gorgeous chocolate brown skin.

According to the Grio, Time Inc., EW’s parent company, responded to the accusation by email saying: “Our photo director confirmed that Kerry Washington was not lightened.â€