Mindy Kaling received the honor of getting named one of the four cover girls for Elle’s "Women in Television" issue. When the cover photos surfaced, some believed that Elle intentionally hid Kaling's body and lightened her complexion.

Mindy Kaling's 'Elle' Cover Blasted

Along with Kaling, Park and Recreation's Amy Poehler, New Girl’s Zooey Deschanel and Girls’ Allison Williams will cover the February issue of the magazine. Unlike Kaling’s shot, the three other women’s bodies are visible. Also, no one besides Kaling is featured in black and white.

_{Allison Williams' 'Elle' Cover Photo}

“Mindy looks sexy, beautiful and chic,” Elle told E! News, responding to criticism. “We think it is a striking and sophisticated cover and are thrilled to celebrate her in our Women in TV Issue.”

Kaling Responds To ‘Elle’ Cover Controversy

Kaling attempted to diffuse the outrage over her close-up cover photo on Twitter, while simultaneously plugging her show, The Mindy Project.

Wishing for more skin on my @ELLEmagazine cover? Chris Messina & I are naked on a brand new #themindyproject tonight, ya pervs! 930/830 FOX

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— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) January 7, 2014

I love my @ELLEmagazine cover. It made me feel glamorous & cool. And if anyone wants to see more of my body, go on thirteen dates with me.

— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) January 7, 2014

Elle came under fire for similar reasons not long ago for their cover photo of Melissa McCarthy for the "Women in Hollywood" issue, which also had covers featuring Shailene Woodley, Reese Witherspoon, Marion Cotillard and Naomie Harris. McCarthy donned an oversized coat for the shoot, while the other actresses showed off their bodies with skin-baring ensembles. Like Kaling, McCarthy made light of the situation – and admitted that it had been her who picked out the outfit.

The Mindy Project returns Thursday, Jan. 14 at 9:30 p.m. EST.

– Chelsea Regan

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