SINGAPORE: Benetton mag of lust taken off shelves

United Colors of Benetton fashion magazine banned from sale due to exposing photos

The Straits Times
Thursday, June 9, 2005

A magazine published by Italian fashion house United Colors of Benetton has been taken off the shelves here because of its explicit illustrations and photos of nudity, orgies and other sexual acts.

The Media Development Authority (MDA) said the Spring issue of Colors magazine, which focused on the theme of lust, "exceeds" its guidelines for imported magazines.

With more than 1.5 million publications imported here every year, importers are expected to police the publications they bring in.

A spokesman said: "When in doubt, they can consult the MDA, but in this case, the distributor didn't." He added that the media regulator is investigating the matter.

Mr Mohamed Sharief, a manager with Basheer Graphic Books, the art book retailer at Bras Basah Complex that brought in five copies of the magazine, said it was an oversight because his boss is on holiday. The copies, which were displayed at Holland Village, will be shipped to its branches in Hongkong or Thailand, he said.

A major magazine distributor which used to bring in Colors, said the first issue that it imported five years ago was taken off the shelves because of controversial advertisements related to sex and religion. Another distributor said it stopped bringing in the publication last year due to poor demand.

Date Posted: 6/9/2005