Urban Outfitters Apologizes For Bloodied Kent State Shirt
The retail chain Urban Outfitters has apologized for a recent sweatshirt it released that showed what appeared to be a blood-splattered fabric with the words "Kent State University" written on the front.
Although critics argued the shirt was an insulting reference to the 1970 shooting at the Ohio university, the retailer has defended its actions, saying the shirt's dye was not supposed to represent blood, but rather a "sun-faded vintage" style.
"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 Urban Outfitters statement reads.
"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."
Kent State University released a statement Monday condemning the shirt. "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."
