CVS Will Not Carry Issue Of ‘Rolling Stone’ With Boston Bombing Suspect On The Cover

The new Rolling Stone

The new Rolling Stone

The new issue of Rolling Stone magazine has stirred up quite a bit of controversy this days due to the choice of cover subject: Dzhohkar Tsarnaev, the suspect in the Boston Marathon bombing, tied in to a profile in the issue detailing his life leading up to the bombing. CVS issued a statement today saying that due to its roots in New England, its store will not be carrying this issue of the magazine. Update: Walgreens will also not be selling the issue.

CVS published the statement this morning on its Facebook page:

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.

Another New England-based chain, Tedeschi’s Food Shops, is also boycotting the issue:

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!

Meanwhile, add Walgreens to the list of stores that won’t carry the issue on its shelves, as evidenced by this tweet:

After a busy morning with the cover bouncing around various social media, Rolling Stone has reacted to the controversy by issuing its own statement:

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.

Tsarnaev makes cover of Rolling Stone, draws outrage, boycotts [Boston.com]

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