In the presscon of “Hiram na Puso”, GMA-7’s new afternoon soap where she plays Kris Bernal’s missing sister to replace “Kokak” starting Monday, Bela said she means no harm to anyone. “We didn’t mean to slight anyone and I’m really sorry to those who felt offended by the cover. The March issue will have a different cover na, a solo shot of me in Anilao.”
FHM also issued an apology: “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.”
Bela herself issued her own statement via GMA Artist Center: “It was never the intention of anyone behind the production to offend anybody. The concept has been agreed upon both by FHM and myself. The collaboration was purely artistic in nature and there was no malice involved upon its execution.
I would like to personally apologize to those who may have been offended by the cover feature. Let me repeat: We never want to offend anybody. FHM and I agreed that FHM management will be undertaking some changes on this particular cover so that this issue of alleged racism will be put to rest.”
