FHM's March 2012 Cover Controversy

The first time I saw this cover in 7eleven, I just find it the simple or usual cover of FHM. Until I've read some articles in websites saying that this cover was a "racist". I reviewed the cover and even the phrase "Stepping out of the shadows" I can say, it is really a racist. This is just my opinion. But I still believe that this has nothing to do with Bela but the magazine itself.

Bela Padilla in the cover of FHM Philippines' April 2012 Issue says cover photo did not mean to be a "racist".

After this controversy, the previous cover was pulled-out by FHM and print another cover and even remove the phrase. This move is just showing that this is just a mere mistake. I mean this is really not meant to be a racist it's just that they haven't reviewed very well of the concept.

FHM’S OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE BELA PADILLA COVER

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.

This issue has brought the attention of international news.
BBC News, CNN, International Business Times