When Serena Williams' Sports Illustrated cover was revealed on Monday, Twitter users were quick to accuse the magazine of Photoshopping the tennis star.
But now, the magazine has responded and has denied altering the image.
Speaking to HuffPost UK Lifestyle, a spokesperson for the magazine said: "This story has no legs, period. We did nothing to change the integrity of the cover image or likeness of Serena Williams."
Critics accused the publication of altering Williams' image to make her thighs and face look smaller after, she was named 2015 Sportsperson of the Year.
The image, which shows the tennis star sat on a gold throne wearing a black leotard and heels, was entirely "her idea".
In an article on Sports Illustrated's website, the publication says it chose Williams for the coveted award because she won 53 of her 56 matches this year.
But after the cover was revealed, Twitter users accused the publication of "undermining" her sporting achievement, by "photoshopping" the image.
Many online also compared the Sports Illustrated cover to the recent Pirelli shoot, in which Williams appeared semi-nude in a series of un-retouched images of inspirational women.
Williams has yet to comment on the Photoshop accusations, but took to social media on Monday to thank Sports Illustrated for recognising her achievements over the past year.