Priyanka Chopra recently found herself in a situation where she had to issue an apology.
The former Miss World and star of the popular series "Quantico" often expressed her pride in being an immigrant who had achieved stardom in the United States. However, a recent incident involving a T-shirt she wore led to a public apology.
Priyanka Chopra graced the cover of the travel magazine "Traveler," published by the Condé Nast group, wearing a T-shirt with the word "immigrant" crossed out, alongside "refugee" and "intruder," while "traveler" remained visible.
The actress and the magazine faced criticism for conveying a message that some deemed as a display of "privilege," particularly given that being a refugee is not a choice.
Condé Nast, the American publishing giant, clarified that their intention was to highlight the labels often imposed on people. Chopra, the eighth highest-paid actress on American television, expressed her remorse for inadvertently hurting feelings.
"I have always been against labels. I am deeply affected and feel terrible, but the message was misinterpreted. The magazine was very clear that they wanted to convey a message against the manifestation of xenophobia through labels."
The magazine's cover, shared on Twitter by the actress, sparked outrage in India, particularly given the context of the Syrian refugee crisis. Condé Nast released a statement defending the cover and aiming to explain the intention behind the photograph.
The company emphasized its belief in a "world without borders," recognizing that we are all on a journey, whether by choice or circumstance. They acknowledged the hardship of being forced to leave one's home, which is entirely different from selecting a vacation destination and booking an Airbnb.
Indian-born author and journalist Arpita Das commented on the matter, emphasizing the gravity of the refugee situation and the importance of sensitivity when addressing such issues.
Chopra clarified in an interview with Indian television that she was well aware of the challenges faced by refugees and that her intent was to convey a message of support for them. In an era marked by global migration, it remains crucial to approach these topics with care and empathy, acknowledging the complexities of the issue.
