Urban Outfitters has apparently tried to see just how poor their taste can be without causing a backlash. Well, there was quite the backlash after they released their “Kent State University Sweatshirt” …which appears to be splattered with blood and riddled with bullet holes.
Almost immediately after it’s release, the internet lit up with people letting the world know just how disgusted they were when they saw the item for sale.
The sweatshirt was accompanied by the following description:
“Washed soft and perfectly broken in, this vintage Kent State sweatshirt is cut in a loose, slouchy fit. Excellent vintage condition. We only have one, so get it or regret it!”
After the backlash, Urban Outfitters released the following statement via Twitter regarding the sweatshirt listing:
Urban Outfitters sincerely apologizes for any offense our Vintage Kent State Sweatshirt may have caused. It was never our 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 one-of-a-kind item was purchased as part of our sun-faded vintage collection. There is no blood on this shirt nor has this item been altered in any way. The red stains are discoloration from the original shade of the shirt and the holes are from natural wear and fray. Again, we deeply regret that this item was perceived negatively and we have removed it immediately from our website to avoid further upset.
Anyone with an internet connection has to know, at the very least, what happened at Kent State in 1970. If you don’t, get reading.
The university had it’s own public statement to make as well, and it reads as follows:
May 4, 1970, was a watershed moment for the country and especially the Kent State family. We lost four students that day while nine others were wounded and countless others were changed forever.
We take great offense to a company using our pain for their publicity and profit. This item is beyond poor taste and trivializes a loss of life that still hurts the Kent State community today.
We invite the leaders of this company as well as anyone who invested in this item to tour our May 4 Visitors Center, which opened two years ago, to gain perspective on what happened 44 years ago and apply its meaning to the future.
The poorest of poor tastes has just been realized. It’s also not the first time that Urban Outfitters has caused a commotion with it’s products.
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