Community Corner

CVS Decides Not to Sell Rolling Stone Magazine with Marathon Bombing Suspect on Cover

Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is the cover photo for the August issue of Rolling Stone Magazine, angering many.

By Susan Manning

Stirring controversy on Facebook and other online outlets, Rolling Stonemagazine's cover on the edition which releases Friday, is a photo of Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.

Two places you won't find the August edition of Rolling Stone are CVS, including the Sharon location at 66  South Main St., and Roche Bros. stores. There are no Roche Bros. locations in Sharon.
The Rhode Island-based drug store chain CVS posted on its Facebook page Wednesday why it won't be on its shelves:

"CVS/pharmacy has decided not to sell the current issue of Rolling Stone featuring a cover photo of the Boston Marathon bombing suspect. As a company with deep roots in New England and a strong presence in Boston, we believe this is the right decision out of respect for the victims of the attack and their loved ones."

Roche Bros. also posted to its Facebook page:

"We have had a number of inquiries today regarding our approach to the current issue of Rolling Stone Magazine. When our team learned about the cover image this morning, we chose not to offer that product for sale in our stores. We join with our customers and neighbors in focusing on the recovery of the victims and our community. Thank you."

According to USA Today, Rolling Stone editors say the reaction they are receiving is much like what they received when Charles Manson was on its cover 40 years ago. That edition turned out to be one of the magazine's best-selling issues and won a national award.

Do you think the Rolling Stone issue should be sold in stores or did the magazine take it too far? Tell us in the comments section below.


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