'Priyanka's magazine cover shot not about privilege or fashion'

Oct 12, 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 11 (IANS) A T-shirt flaunted by Priyanka Chopra for a magazine cover flaunted the message of being a traveller over a refugee, immigrant or outsider -- and generated a mixed response on social media. A spokesperson of the magazine has explained that the idea was to tell the world to stop labelling people.

The magazine issued an official statement on Tuesday saying that the message was interpreted in a wrong way, and they wanted to suggest that "the beauty of a world" is in its diversity.

The statement read: "At Conde Nast Traveller, we believe that the opening up of borders and the breaking down of walls can help us discover the world, and open up our minds and hearts.

"So, when we had actress Priyanka Chopra wear a T-shirt we created on the cover of our sixth anniversary issue, we had a point to make. And it's not about privilege. or fashion."

The actress, who features in American TV series "Quantico", wore a white tank top that read "Refugee, Immigrant, Outsider, Traveller" with all but the last word crossed out for the cover.

The image caused a stir among social media users as soon as it surfaced online. But the magazine spokesperson says the idea was to urge people to "stand against the building of walls, literal and otherwise".

"We must demand a world free of racism and bigotry and prejudice, so that we - and generations after us-- may enjoy all the abundance that travel offers, the beauty of a world that is open and rich and diverse in its people and cultures and geographies," the spokesperson added.

The statement was stresses on why Priyanka, who has worked extensively in India and will soon be making her debut in Hollywood, was an apt choice for the magazine cover.

"Priyanka Chopra - a star at home and abroad, who has experienced firsthand the opportunities that travel offers -- is the perfect ambassador."