credit: Shape Magazine

The October issue of Shape Magazine generated tons of press, but apparently, not for the right reasons. In it, country singer LeAnn Rimes opens up about why she cheated on former husband, Dean Sheremet with actor Eddie Cibrian, who was also married at the time. She also talks about how she used fitness to get her through that difficult time in life.

“My relationship with Dean was great, but ultimately it wasn’t a fulfilling marriage for either of us,” Rimes, 28, told the mag. “I understand why people are disappointed in me, especially since I grew up as America’s sweetheart.”

So why is the editor-in-chief of Shape so up in arms? Apparently, the magazine received some backlash from readers for putting her on the cover. In an email to subscribers, she [editor-in-chief] explained that she regrets the terrible mistake she made in deciding to put the country singer on the cover.

“You are all in good company (why I’m emailing you all together). As you all agree, Shape has made a terrible mistake in putting LeAnn Rimes on the cover.”

“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. And this woman in particular found strength in exercise in what she said was her most difficult personal moment.”

“But it did not come across that way…And for that I’m terribly sorry. I hope that we can do better the next time for those of you that will give us another chance.”

My Commentary on the Issue: Personally, I don’t agree with cheating. I just don’t get the point. If you no longer want to be married to your spouse, just tell him or her. Why do you have to cheat? Some say it’s about having your cake and eating it too; but, if that were the case, why do some leave their spouses to be with the other woman or man? I also don’t get the whole concept of “stealing” someone’s husband. Can you really steal a husband if he doesn’t want to go? Why is it that society always has to blame the other woman? After all, your husband is the one who ignored his vows and cheated. The “other woman” owes you nothing. But that’s neither here nor there. What I will say is that NO ONE – not Shape, not USA Today, not Huffington Post, Perez Hilton or any other media outlet knows the true story. We don’t know what was going in Rimes’ marriage or Cibrian’s marriage prior to them becoming a couple. As a  writer/blogger, I can see covering the story and I can see why people want to read it, but to judge her moral character based on something you know nothing about is wrong. I’m not saying she’s right or wrong. I’m saying I don’t know what truly happened. I do know what’s done is done, there are two children involved, and I’m sure all of them would be able to work it out much better without all the unsolicited opinions.

I wish all of them (Rimes, Cibrian and his ex-wife) luck in working this out, to the best of their ability, while minimizing the damage to the children.