Victoria Hearst calls Cosmo 'porn'

CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - A member of the Hearst family is attacking a magazine that's become the bread and butter of the family empire.

Victoria Hearst wants to slap a warning label on copies of Cosmopolitan magazine to prevent minors from seeing its sexy cover lines and photos.

Cosmo’s editor and chief is fighting back, calling the campaign "sexist" and a "double standard" compared to men's magazines. 

When you look at the cover of Cosmopolitan magazine, you know what you're getting: For example, 'Wild Summer Sex.'

Well, that's exactly what the National Center on Sexual Exploitation wants covered up, and the campaign is backed by Victoria Hearst.

Some parents agree that the magazine should be hidden from minors at newsstands and in stores.

"I’m happy if people want to buy it, but I don't need my kids to be subjected to seeing even more stuff that I’d rather them not see at this age," one woman said.

Walmart and Rite Aid are among some retailers hiding the magazine from children.

Cosmo’s editor and chief calls the move censorship, saying quote, "We're not just about sex.  We’re about empowering women in all aspects of their lives."

New York clinical Psychologist Doctor Jeff Gardere said calling Cosmo pornography is overboard. However, he also said the magazine should not be front and center at the store.

"I think when a child absolutely reads those bylines or may even go into the magazine, it may skew their thoughts or perceptions about sex and sexuality," Gardere said.

And if your child does see the magazine and asks about the words printed on the cover, Doctor Gardere said use it as a teachable moment.

"I think it's important to not make a big deal about it as a parent, perhaps scolding them or being too demonstrative about it because that only peaks their curiosity,” he said.

Hearst claims she's not trying to put the magazine out of business, but that it should carry a warning label like an X-rated movie or video game.