Retailor Urban Outfitters recently released an apology in regards to a new item; the “vintage Kent State sweatshirt.”
Image Credit: Ebay
The product is a crewneck-style sweatshirt with the Kent State University logo on the front and appears to be red and spattered with blood. The company released an official apology via Twitter today, taking responsibility for any offense 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 a such,” Urban Outfitters tweeted. “… Again, we deeply regret that this item was perceived negatively and we have removed it immediately from out website to avoid further upset.”
Urban Outfitters also tweeted the sweatshirt did not have blood on it and was not intended to look that way. Instead, it was part of their sun-faded vintage collection and the look of the item was due to natural wear, fray and discoloration.
Controversies sparked due to the insensitivity of the product in regards to the Kent State shootings on May 4, 1970. The Ohio National Guard killed four students and injured nine during a protest of the Cambodian Campaign during the Vietnam War.
The description of the item, according to The Washington Post, read, “Get it or regret it!” Urban Outfitters has since removed the item, retailing for $129, from its website.