Loaded editor releases statement in response to Co-op's modesty bags decision
Jamie Wallis, editor of Loaded magazine, has issued a statement responding to the Co-op’s decision to remove ‘lads mags’ from sale unless the come in modesty bags.
Wallis’ statement reads: “At loaded, we take great care with our covers, including sending them, via our distributor, to supermarkets for their approval.
“As the original men’s magazine, we pride ourselves in adhering to the guidelines set out by supermarkets.”
The statement continues: “In recent months, our covers have portrayed imagery and wording in line with women’s lifestyle and fitness magazines, as well as men’s titles including FHM, Esquire and GQ.” Adding that Loaded covers are “no more overtly sexual than adverts in newspapers and on television shown before the 9pm watershed.”
The Co-op’s decision to “cave in to bulling from pressure groups” is, according to Wallis, “allowing censorship, which is a very real threat to the free press and freedom of speech in the UK.”
“The precedent that is potentially being set here is disturbing. We trust common sense and the right to an uncensored media will prevail,” he concludes.
Loaded’s decision to release a statement on the matter follows Nuts magazine’s counter-campaign ‘Hands off our Nuts!’.