Magazine comes out in defense of Priyanka Chopra over 'refugee' controversy

Mumbai: Actress Priyanka Chopra's latest cover for Conde Nast Traveller has invited criticism online and the magazine has come out in its defence, saying through the photo it wanted to address ‘culture of xenophobia’.

The 34-year-old ‘Quantico’ actress is seen wearing a plain white t-shirt, which features refugee, immigrant, outsider, traveller arranged one below another but the first three words are struck off with a red line, suggesting that Priyanka is a traveller.

The cover did not go down well with some, who took to social media to slam it as ‘insensitive’.

The magazine in a lengthy statement said, "At Conde Nast Traveller, we believe that the opening up of borders and the breaking down of walls can help us discover the world, and open up our minds and hearts. So, when we had actress Priyanka Chopra wear a T-shirt, we had a point to make.

"And it's not about privilege. It's about how our labelling of people as immigrants, refugees and outsiders is creating a culture of xenophobia."

The magazine further said it wanted to bring attention to the plight of a million of refugees and immigrants, who cross borders for work.

"We are allowing thousands of innocent people who are forced to cross borders due to unimaginable terror and atrocities to be treated without humanity and empathy.

"It's about how we are allowing some powerful leaders to build barriers that make it more difficult for bright, motivated and hardworking people to see more of the world, learn from it and make it better for us all."

It is high time the world was freed of racism and prejudices, and people found oneness with each other, the magazine added.

"It's time we demand better, and stand against the building of walls, literal and otherwise. We must demand a world free of racism and bigotry and prejudice, so that we may enjoy all the abundance that travel offers, the beauty of a world that is open and rich and diverse in its people and cultures and geographies.

"And we must, in the midst of our many differences, find and celebrate our commonalities, our oneness.

Sharing the reason it featured Priyanka on its cover, the magazine said, "This is why Priyanka Chopra- a star at home and abroad, who has experienced firsthand the opportunities that travel offers is the perfect ambassador.