Shape’s Editor-In-Chief Valerie Latona has responded to a letter she wrote to some of the magazine’s readers about featuring LeAnn Rimes on its October 2010 cover.
“My comments have been taken out of context. I used the words of the few unhappy readers who wrote in, ” Latona said in a statement to Access Hollywood on Friday.
According to the letter, obtained by Access and first posted on the website TooFab, the magazine received complaints after featuring the country star on the cover. In the issue, Rimes opened up about the criticisms she received over her love life, which saw her divorcing husband Dean Sheremet and taking her relationship with her “Northern Lights” Lifetime movie co-star Eddie Cibrian public, months after they were accused of being involved in an affair (something Cibrian denied at the time).
“Please know that our putting her on the cover was not meant to put a husband-stealer on a pedestal-but to show (through her story) how we all are human,” Valerie wrote in the letter. “And this woman in particular found strength in exercise in what she said was her most difficult personal moment.”
Latona acknowledged that the story the mag was trying to present, “did not come across that way… And for that I’m terribly sorry.”
She ended her letter telling readers, “I hope we can do better the next time for those of you that will give us another chance.”
Latona said the number of complaints received by the mag was minimal.
“I stand by the fact that LeAnn’s story is compelling – and her courage and strength in the face of so much adversity is compelling. That is why I put her on the cover of Shape for what is now the third time,” the statement continued. “The fact is a mere 40 readers out of almost 6 million readers wrote in to complain calling LeAnn a ‘husband stealer’ and a ‘terrible mistake for Shape.’ I wrote to those women apologizing that our cover choice did not make them happy – as I have done for other cover stars in the past.”
In the magazine, Rimes said she understood why she was criticized over her love life.
“I understand why people are disappointed in me, especially since I grew up as America’s sweetheart,” the singer said. “I think any relationship is hard to get out of, and I don’t think the way I did it was right.”
The singer added that going through everything made her a stronger person.
“I truly believe there are lessons in it for me to learn. Cultivating strength from rough situations is the most important thing,” she said at the time. “After going though this, I know I can face anything.”
A rep for Rimes was not immediately available for comment when contacted by Access Hollywood on Thursday evening.
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