The FHM Issue: Racism or Art?

BELA PADILLA

FHM Philippines will remember the March issue with Bela Padilla on the cover after drawing criticism.

What do you think? It is racist or not?

Check out Bela Padilla’s FHM Cover Below!

In the latest celebrity update, Bela Padilla said in her Twitter page that she meant no harm with her controversial of March issue for FHM Philippines magazine cover photo.

“I meant no harm with this cover. I’m sorry to everyone who got offended. I hope all of you see the beauty of the cover and appreciate it,” Bela posted yesterday February 27, 2012 in her Twitter account.

This controversy first out when FHM Philippines uploaded the cover of its March issue in their authorized Facebook page. It showed the faired-skinned Bela in a red Bikini while surrounded by black female models.

On the other hand, the magazine cover also sported the title blurb: “Bela Padilla: Stepping Out of the Shadows.”

Netizens immediately tagged the cover as “racist.”

However, FHM Philippines issued an apology statement and said its March issue will sport a different cover after two days when the cover was uploaded online.

Here is the statement, which was posted on their website:

“On Saturday, February 25, we uploaded the March issue with Bela Padilla on the cover on our Facebook page.

Just hours later, a slew of comments on the supposed “racism” of the cover image and cover line flooded the magazine page, prompting the editorial team to re-examine the cover so that we could put into context its execution and assuage the concerns of our readers and non-readers as well who’ve weighed in on the issue.

We took all the points into consideration and have decided to take the side of sensitivity.

When FHM hits the stands in March it will have a different cover. We deem this to be the most prudent move in the light of the confusion over the previous cover execution.

We apologize and thank those who have raised their points. We apologize to Bela Padilla for any distress this may have caused her.

In our pursuit to come up with edgier-covers, we will strive to be more sensitive next time.”

Here is the FHM Philippines March Issue Cover:

BELA PADILLA: STEPPING OUT THE SHADOWS