US chain backtracks after store puts 'shield' over Elton cover

An American grocery chain has distanced itself from a decision taken by one of its branches to censor copies of gossip magazine US Weekly which featured Elton John, his partner David Furnish and their newborn son Zachary on the cover.

Harps said the manager of its branch in Mountain Home, Arkansas, had taken action after it received several customer complaints about a "family shield" being placed over the magazine. A spokesman said censorship was "at the manager's discretion".

Local resident Jennifer Huddleston uploaded a photo of the covered-up magazine on Wednesday, broadcasting it via Twitter to gay rights organisations and celebrities.

Harps Foods Inc is now selling the magazine in all its stores.