Rolling Stone editors issue explanation as Twitter and retailers turn against Boston Marathon bomber cover
The online response to Rolling Stone’s decision to place the surviving suspect Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev on its cover continues, with US retailers Walgreens and CVS both tweeting that they will not carry the edition, with Coca-Cola’s VP of global advertising strategy and creative excellence also tweeting his disapproval. The decision to run the picture of Tsarnaev on the cover has provoked widespread outcry across the US, leading the editors of the publication to add an explanation online to the original piece. The explanation read: “Our hearts go out to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing, and our thoughts are always with them and their families. The cover story we are publishing this week falls within the traditions of journalism and Rolling Stone’s long-standing commitment to serious and thoughtful coverage of the most important political and cultural issues of our day. The fact that Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is young, and in the same age group as many of our readers, makes it all the more important for us to examine the complexities of this issue and gain a more complete understanding of how a tragedy like this happens.”The Mayor of Boston Tom Menino has also released a letter written to Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner stating that the city does not appreciate the magazine treating Tsarnaev as a celebrity. Jonathan Mildenhall, Coca-Cola’s highly respective creative chief tweeted last night: “#RollingStoneMagazine - only got bad thoughts and feelings for you. Business that bad? You've lost me. Of that I promise. #pitinmystomach”Meanwhile, Donald Trump has also tweeted to call for a boycott of the publications as well. Thousands have also taken to Twitter to display their displeasure at the decision, some of which can be read below:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Walgreens will not be selling this issue of Rolling Stone magazine.
— Walgreens (@Walgreens) July 17, 2013We have decided to not sell the current issue of Rolling Stone, out of respect for the victims and their loved ones.
— CVS/pharmacy (@CVS_Extra) July 17, 2013#RollingStoneMagazine - only got bad thoughts and feelings for you. Business that bad? You've lost me. Of that I promise. #pitinmystomach
— Jonathan Mildenhall (@Mildenhall) July 17, 2013I have to say, the Rolling Stone Magazine cover with the bomber is in poor taste. We shouldn't make rock stars out of murderers.
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) July 17, 2013"@DillsMama13: @realDonaldTrump What is your feeling about Rolling Stone magazine putting the bomber on the front cover? Boycott!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 18, 2013Here is the Masshole Sports official statement regarding the Rolling Stone Tsarnaev cover: http://t.co/a3Kfo2BPqi pic.twitter.com/XGYhkBn7hu
— Masshole Sports (@MassholeSports) July 17, 2013My parody of Rolling Stone's bomber glorification cover. RT if you like. If you hate it, RT it. pic.twitter.com/i70zdj0ctY
— Michael Berry (@MichaelBerrySho) July 17, 2013