Playboy's Mexican December edition carries a picture of model Maria Florencia Onori posing as Virgin Mary on the cover. The model is seen wearing only a white cloth over her head and breasts. This issue has hit the newsstands just few days before the beginning of the pilgrimage to the Basilica of Guadalupe. This has caused outrage and widespread condemnation throughout Mexico. (Click to enlarge image)
The annual pilgrimage to the Mexico City basilica dedicated to Virgin of Guadalupe, is considered to be one of the world's largest religious events.
Playboy has now apologised for publishing this picture saying that the company did not approve of or endorse the cover by the Mexican publisher.
In a statement issued to the media, Plaboy Enterprises Inc. said, "While Playboy Mexico never meant for the cover or images to offend anyone, we recognize that it has created offense, and we as well as Playboy Mexico offer our sincerest apologies."
Raul Sayrols, publisher of Playboy Mexico, said in a statement, "The image is not and never was intended to portray the Virgin of Guadalupe or any other religious figure. The intent was to reflect a Renaissance-like mood on the cover."
Playboy Mexico had printed 100,000 copies of the December issue.
The annual pilgrimage to the Mexico City basilica dedicated to Virgin of Guadalupe, is considered to be one of the world's largest religious events.
Playboy has now apologised for publishing this picture saying that the company did not approve of or endorse the cover by the Mexican publisher.
In a statement issued to the media, Plaboy Enterprises Inc. said, "While Playboy Mexico never meant for the cover or images to offend anyone, we recognize that it has created offense, and we as well as Playboy Mexico offer our sincerest apologies."
Raul Sayrols, publisher of Playboy Mexico, said in a statement, "The image is not and never was intended to portray the Virgin of Guadalupe or any other religious figure. The intent was to reflect a Renaissance-like mood on the cover."
Playboy Mexico had printed 100,000 copies of the December issue.