FHM Philippines Pulls Racist Edgy Cover

Well this was just poor judgement! Unless they just wanted to get people talking, in which case, congratulations! You did it!

FHM Philippines has pulled its original March cover featuring Philippine actress Bela Padilla emerging out of the “shadows,” aka dark-skinned models. Since releasing the photo on their Facebook page this past week, the magazine has experienced a slew of negative feedback.

Even if the “racism” was unintentional, it’s hard not to view this cover as: “black” = bad, “white” = good. Come on! You are calling the darker models “shadows” right on the cover!!

Representatives from the men’s mag have handled the situation surprisingly well releasing this statement:

"We apologize and thank those who have raised their points. We apologise 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."

Padilla also apologized via her twitter page, saying:

I meant no harm with this cover. I'm so sorry to everyone who got offended. I hope all of you see the beauty of the cover and appreciate it.

Hmm. Mucho controversy.

What do you think about the cover?? Artistic or racist??

[Image via FHM Philippines.]

Tags: bela padilla, controversy, fhm philippines cover march 2012, magazine