The team at Talent Management has just found out that the Philippines edition of FHM has decided to pull a controversial cover following accusations of racism.

The March edition of the men’s magazine featured white actress Bela Padilla circled by three black models, which would be fine, had the image not been accompanied by the caption ‘stepping out of the shadows’.

We’re not sure what FHM were thinking using an image-caption combination that could so easily be taken out of context and evoke offence. And indeed it did; when the magazine uploaded a cover preview on their Facebook page, surprise, surprise, they were met with an influx of criticism.

Readers immediately labelled the concept ‘racist’, with Facebook comments including: “Seriously, did you guys not sense how racist this concept was?” and “It’s racist, plain and simple. So up yours to those who call it ‘art’. You guys have no sensitivity to coloured people.”

In response to the uproar, FHM issued a statement in which they apologised for any offence and explained that they had “re-examined the cover”.

“We took all the points into consideration and have decided to take the side of sensitivity.

“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.”

“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,” the statement read.

The March edition now features a different shot of Bela Padilla along with the inoffensive, yet decidedly less snappy caption ‘I want to emerge with my own name’.

Padilla, who prior to modelling for FHM was a relatively unknown actress, has also apologized for her part in causing offence. Ironically though, the distasteful cover and subsequent controversy have propelled her into the spotlight.