Kerry Washington Calls Out AdWeek for Too Much Retouching

Has anyone been following the recent headlines about Kerry Washington calling out AdWeek for the extensive retouching job on her new cover shot? In the last couple of years, we’ve seen a pretty significant rise in actors and celebs going for a more natural look – think less Photoshop, more authenticity – in magazine and web features. And, in this case, Kerry Washington took AdWeek to task on Instagram for going overboard with the retouches.

She starts by thanking the publication for the feature:

“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.”

And promptly follows with her thoughts:

“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.”

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

A photo posted by Kerry Washington (@kerrywashington) on Apr 5, 2016 at 2:46pm PDT

According to CNN, fans of Washington and readers of AdWeek also took to social media to comment on the disparity between the appearance of the real Kerry Washington and the one who graced the publication’s cover. And, the magazine quickly responded to all the chatter:

“Kerry Washington is a class act. We are honored to have her grace our pages. To clarify, we made minimal adjustments, solely for the cover’s design needs. We meant no disrespect, quite the opposite. We are glad she is enthusiastic about the piece and appreciate her honest comments,” Editorial Director James Cooper said.

All in all, the exchange was handled with grace. Bravo to Washington was so honest and props to AdWeek whose response was also honest and understanding – it seems all have left the conversation on a positive note. But, what do you think of the amount of photoshopping and retouching that takes place in the publication world? Do you think this constant drive for perfection contributes to poor body image that plagues so many girls and women? I’d love to hear your thoughts.