Most people do not buy these magazines, they look at the covers whilst waiting in the checkout line. Go shopping tomorrow and see for yourself. Watch other shoppers. Few pick up the magazines but MOST look over the titles. Now what message are they getting from this magazine?
No, I seriously do not see it as a hit piece. I know what you are saying about people only looking over the titles (I used to work for YEARS in Retail), but this leaves a MUCH different feeling when one reads it versus the US Weekly title. The little pink box is NOT going to stand out — the Yellow title, and the words under it are what most people are going to see/read. Much different than the “LIES” title.