Bela Padilla is supposedly on the cover of FHM Philippines’ issue for March, but the publication pulled the photo off as it drew outrage online for allegedly being racist.
The controversial cover photo showed Bela clad in a sexy bikini and surrounded by black female models. On the lower part of the cover is a blurb that reads “Bela Padilla: Stepping Out Of The Shadows.”
When FHM uploaded the cover photo online, the magazine’s Facebook page was bombarded with negative comments and reactions.
The topic got even hotter when BBC News picked up the debate and asked its followers their own opinions. Some internet users reportedly described the cover photo as “racist,” “offensive,” and “vulgar.”
Meanwhile, Bela said in her interview with BBC News’ Mishal Husain that the photo has no intention to discreminate anybody.
“I didn’t expect that we’d get negative feedback from it because we had no intention of discriminating anyone anyway,” the Kapuso actress told Husain.
Bela admitted that she herself was shocked with the caption but said people should read the story, which she described as a “coming of age” article of sorts, to fully understand its meaning.
The GMA talent had apologized to those who got offended by the picture one way or another. She said further that the models, some of whom had their bodies painted black, represent her shadows.
“They [FHM] wanted a symbolization of me getting out of my old shadows so they were all supposed to represent me,” Bela revealed.
On February 27, FHM explained in a statement:
“On Saturday, February 25, we uploaded the March issue with Bela Padilla on the cover on our Facebook page.We showed the controversial cover photo to some local folks, professionals and students. Seven of out ten respondents said it was “artistic.”
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.”
Others believe though that the ongoing trend will help boost the mag’s sales.
