The following appeared in the British publication THE REG PARK JOURNAL in a signed editorial by Great Britain's most famous bodybuilder, Reg Park: "Recently in an American Physical Culture Magazine there appeared an article about getting massive ? written by Weider. In it he refers to a conversation which he asserts took place between a 'cop' and myself about 'my massive shoulders and chest.' As an exercise in imagination the article deserves full marks. This conversation only took place in Weider's mind. Readers, it never really happened! Later in the article Weider refers to me as his Pupil. More fiction! I was never his pupil and Weider knows it. Believe me, I had wide shoulders and a mighty chest' long before I ever clapped my eyes on the 'imaginative Joe.' He proceeds. to tell how he helped me to win the 'Mr. Universe' title, and that he flew over a week prior to the contest in order to help me complete my training. Another flight of fancy! I did not see him until the night before the contest and then only for a very short time. I much preferred to go to bed early to be ready for the great day that lay ahead. Come off it, Weider. Play the game! But perhaps you don't understand the meaning of this latter expression." The title of the foregoing editorial is "Joe Weider Get Off My Back." As can be deduced from the remaining material on these pages, Weider is riding rather hard on a number of broad backs which are able, but unwilling, to stand the strain. Weider, of course, will discount the evidence presented for everyone to see and will claim that it just isn't so, that these men are all his dear friends and grateful pupils. We leave it to the intelligence of our readers to make a choice as to who is telling the truth. Reg Park, pictured above, is product of heavy weight training. He holds British professional lifting records in addition to his best-built-man titles.

The "Bodybuilders Abused by Weider" file grows and grows. Parts of a letter from Lou Degni to Bob Hoffman follow:

Dear Bob,

In the November issue of "Muscle Power" magazine, a Weider publication, an article was written on me which I had not been interviewed for. In this article it had several pictures of me under which it stated that I use Weider methods. Enclosed are the pictures to give you a clear view of what I mean.

Now Bob, I certainly never gave him permission or signed any the contract giving him right to use my pictures endorsing any of his methods. I am pretty sore about it and wonder if you would give me any advice on what to do about it.

My brother Sam sends you his best regards and thanks you for the card from Europe.

My best to all the staff. Sorry

I couldn't make the picnic this year. I was in California at the time.

Your friend,

Lou (Degni)

We hesitate to bring this letter, one of many on file, to the attention of readers, for we realize it will probably prompt Weider to drive his No. I Spook (and World's Greatest Something-or-other), the over-worked Charlie Smith, to pound out more. reams of vilification. We cannot let the below-the-belt blasts go unanswered, unfortunately, for to many readers an uncontested attack is considered to be true, no matter how puerile it may be. The photo of Lou Degni, who is a leading Mr. America condidate, was taken by Don Young.

STRENGTH AND HEALTH JULY, 1955

To Whom It May Concern:

March 27, 1955

I, Richard DuBois, wish to make it known that Weider publications have taken the liberty of exploiting me by releasing articles without my consent. Not only was the text of these articles unauthorized but in a number of instances imparted 3istortions. There appears to be an obvious link here with Weider's commercial interests. Weider's magazines have also been guilty of releasing puplicity of a slanderous nature. Incidently, I am not the only "Mr. America" winner to be the victim of Weider's unethical tactics. I sincerely hope that this public protest will call a halt to these abuses.

P.3.

Signed

I, George Eiferman, wish to substantiate this protest against Weider's unethical tactics. Like Richard DuBois, I have also been abused in a sicilar manner by Weider's exploitation.

3igned

Jicize Exfirman

The signed statement above adds weight to the evidence presented against Weider. Since America has been the home of splendidly developed weight trained athletes for more than twice the years Weider has favored us with his miraculous methods, it would seem that some of the claims and counter-claims being bandied about are not true. The evidence on these pages indicates clearly that little value can be attached to Weider's claims. (Dick DuBois, photographed by Cecil Charles, is shown above. George Eiferman, photo by Bruce, is at the right. Both have won the Mr. America crown.)

STRENGTH AND HEALTH JULY, 1955