Though JC Chasez made a strong chart entry with his debut album Schizophrenic selling 52,000 copies at Number Seventeen, the record and its cover have drawn fire from the publisher of Schizophrenia Digest.

The album cover features the 'N Sync singer wrapped in a straightjacket with the title stamped over the image. During promotion for Schizophrenic, Chasez has said that the title refers to the broad array of different musical styles found on the album. But Schizophrenia Digest publisher Bill MacPhee took offense, as his publication asserts that the brain disorder "has nothing to do with 'split personality' or 'multiple personality.'"

"The title and cover image have ignored the Surgeon General's call on the entertainment industry to eliminate stigma to address the public health crisis that exists," read a statement by MacPhee.

Chasez cited the Merriam-Webster definition of the term ("contradictory or antagonistic qualities or attitudes") as the basis for his title, though he also issued an apology. Still, there are no plans to change the album's title or cover.

MARC W. DOLECH
(March 9, 2004)