PeeCee’s T-Shirt Row: Conde Nast’s Explanation Makes Little Sense

Priyanka Chopra appeared on Conde Nast Traveller magazine’s cover wearing a t-shirt that many found problematic.

Priyanka Chopra hasn’t responded to the controversy yet. (Photo: Reuters)

Priyanka Chopra had grabbed headlines for all the right reasons. From starring in popular ABC drama series ‘Quantico’ to delivering hits in Bollywood and even crooning hit numbers with music big-wigs, she has been doing it all with grace.

But this time she got embroiled in a controversy after she featured on the cover of Conde Nast Traveller magazine's October/November issue.

After she shared the cover picture on her Twitter account, the attention was drawn to her t-shirt with many calling it insensitive. The words ‘Refugee’, ‘Immigrant’, ‘Outsider’ have been crossed out while the word ‘Traveller’ isn't.

Her top was labelled as the “ganji from hell” by online magazine ‘The Ladies Finger’.

Netizens were flustered over the insensitivity and inaccuracy of the message which Conde Nast Traveller tried to address in their statement.

Conde Nast Responds

Although Priyanka Chopra is yet to respond to the controversy, Conde Nast Traveller magazine issued a statement on Tuesday.

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 created on the cover of our 6th anniversary issue, we had a point to make. And it’s not about privilege. Or fashion.

Statement by <i>Conde Nast</i>

While this is only a part of the clarification, maybe it is about privilege, after all.

We are looking at a successful star earning big bucks who might sympathise with the plight of the distressed but has never undergone the trauma of being displaced.

It goes on to state how labelling others with terms like ‘refugees’ or ‘outsiders’ is creating a “culture of xenophobia” and those crossing the borders due to “unimaginable terror and atrocities“ are treated without empathy and humanity. It states more concerns and demands a world free of racism and prejudices which still fail to explain the rationale behind the message on her t-shirt.

We must recognise that we are all on a journey. Whether we are moving across oceans or just a few kilometres, or in our mind’s eye, into a completely different world, whether we are doing so due to free will or circumstance —that we are all travellers. And this is why Priyanka Chopra — a star at home and abroad, who has experienced firsthand the opportunities that travel offers — is the perfect ambassador.

Statement by <i>Conde Nast</i>

However, the trials and tribulations of a journey differ for every individual and thus the fun ‘Traveller’ doesn’t really fit for all.

Twitter Blasts PC

Even as the magazine issued a statement, the message on the t-shirt did not go down well with the Twitterati as they reacted with shock and disgust.