American multinational clothing company Urban Fitters Inc. has rendered a public apology after the company came under a barrage of criticisms for selling a sweater imprinted with the name and logo of Ohio's Kent State University, which had blood-like stains and holes.
The shirt was put up for sale on the company's website and sparked a debate on the internet after people began to comment on its undertone insinuations to the Kent State shootings in 1970.
The incident, widely known as the Kent State massacre, occurred on May 4th when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on a group of unarmed students who were protesting against the Cambodia Campaign during the Vietnam War. At least 4 students were killed and up to 9 sustained gunshot wounds in the incident that has come to be recognized as one of the symbols of the collective resistance to the war during that era.
Many commentators have described the design as a bad joke. Several pundits say Urban Fitters has a long history of adopting incitive designs and products. Last year, the company was caught in a heated public debate after it launched a set of prescription drugs-themed alcoholic paraphernalia. Urban Fitters was eventually forced to take down the line of products. Reports indicate that the contentious sweater has been bought from Urban Fitters and put up for sale on eBay, but it also disappeared from the site shortly afterwards. It is currently unclear if it has been bought or was taken down by the management of Urban Fitters.
Kent State University has released a statement explaining that the institution takes "great offense" to see Urban Fitters using its "pain for their publicity and profit."
Meanwhile, Urban Fitters has apologized for the outfit. According to the company, "It was never out intention to allude to the tragic events that took place at Kent State in 1970 and we are extremely saddened that this item was perceived as such."
The statement goes on to explain that "There is no blood on the shirt nor has the item been altered in any way. The red stains are discolorations from the original shade of the shirt and the holes are from natural wear and fray."
