COLUMBUS, Ohio – A clothing retailer that is no stranger to controversy is apologizing for selling a sweatshirt that appeared to make light of the shooting of four Vietnam War protesters at Kent State University by Ohio National Guard troops in 1970 and has removed the item from its website.
Urban Outfitters was selling the Vintage Kent State shirt, featuring a faded university seal and what appeared to be bloodstains and torn fabric, for $130 and one version was being offered on eBay.
After images of the company’s web page began circulating via social media, the backlash was almost instantaneous and the company issued a statement just before 10:30 a.m. Monday.
“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,” read the state in part.
The retailer removed the shirt from its website, which reported that the item was “sold out.”
The university issued its own statement about a half-hour later:
“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,” it read in part.
Four students were shot to death during an antiwar demonstration on the university campus on May 4, 1970, by Ohio National Guardsmen.
Urban Outfitters almost seems to court controversy with some of its product offerings and has apologized in the past for offending African-Americans, Native Americans and Jews, among others.