FHM PH rethinks March 2012 cover as netizens tag Bela Padilla’s "Shadows" cover as "racist"; U.S. and UK sites get

After releasing a shot of what was supposed to be the cover of its March 2012 issue, FHM Philippines felt the heat from netizens. It turned out that the photo of actress Bela Padilla surrounded by five models struck a number of people as "racist." They pointed out that the cover story’s title, "Bela Padilla: Stepping Out of the Shadows," was a disservice to the women who served as the actress’ "supporting models." ABS-CBNNews.com reported that an online petition was put up at Change.org.

The FHM Philippines team issued this statement via their Facebook page and website: "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."

The FHM Philippines cover controversy story was also covered by international sites such as the U.S.-based NY Daily News and UK’s The Telegraph.

For more on this story, log on to ABS-CBNNews.com, NY Daily News, and The Telegraph.