Several Stores Won't Sell Rolling Stone With Tsarnaev On Cover
BOSTON (CBS) - Several stores announced Wednesday they will not sell the latest issue of Rolling Stone magazine, which features accused Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev on the cover.
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CVS, which is based in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, issued this statement Wednesday:
CVS/pharmacy has decided not to sell the current issue of Rolling Stone featuring a cover photo of the Boston Marathon bombing suspect. As a company with deep roots in New England and a strong presence in Boston, we believe this is the right decision out of respect for the victims of the attack and their loved ones.
Tedeschi's, which is headquartered in Rockland, put out a similar release:
Tedeschi Food Shops supports the need to share the news with everyone, but cannot support actions that serve to glorify the evil actions of anyone. With that being said, we will not be carrying this issue of Rolling Stone. Music and terrorism don't mix!
Peter Tedeschi, president of the company, said when he came into the office Wednesday morning, he heard a lot of feedback about the issue.
"We have a store located right between where the two blasts took place so this is a very personal thing," Tedeschi told WBZ NewsRadio 1030.
"It's less about censorship and more about fellowship with the first responders, the people who were adversely affected and our customers and employees. We feel it's in bad taste."
Tedeschi said while some may think the company is making the decision not to carry the issue as a publicity stunt, he says it couldn't be further from the truth.
Tedeschi said they have never pulled a specific issue from store shelves in the past.
"We'll probably lose some customers because of this but that's not what it's about. It's about trying to do the right thing," Tedeschi said.
"Let the results speak for themselves. We really feel it's so offensive and hurtful to some that we have a responsibility in this particular case to make this decision."
Listen To Peter Tedeschi Explain The Decision
CVS, Tedeschi's Won't Sell Rolling Stone With Tsarnaev On The Cover
Tedeschi says about 60 of their 200 stores carry Rolling Stone.
Later in the afternoon, Roche Brothers supermarkets joined the boycott, tweeting:
When we learned of the cover for the current issue of Rolling Stone, we chose not to offer that product for sale in our stores. Thank you.
Cumberland Farms and Walgreens also joined the bandwagon Wednesday afternoon.
Walgreens tweeted:
"Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Walgreens will not be selling this issue of Rolling Stone magazine."
Shaw's Supermarkets also said the Rolling Stone issue will not be on their store shelves.
Shaw's has been part of the New England and Boston communities for over 150 years and we understand on a personal level how profoundly the tragedy surrounding the Boston Marathon has affected our associates and customers. Out of respect for the survivors, those who lost their lives and all of their families and friends, we have made the decision to not sell the August issue of Rolling Stone.
Stop & Shop has also decided not to sell the controversial issue.
Rolling Stone's editors responded to the outrage in a statement Wednesday afternoon, saying the cover story "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."
