Urban Outfitters is again facing public backlash for one of its clothing items after Buzzfeed pointed out that the retailer was selling a "Vintage Kent State Sweatshirt" with red splotches that are reminiscent of blood stains.
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The sweatshirt seems to reference the 1970 shooting at Kent State University in which four unarmed college students were killed by the Ohio National Guard during a Vietnam War protest.
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Here are just a few of the disgusted reactions on Twitter:
In a statement to FoxNews.com, Kent State University said: 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.”
Urban Outfitters responded with an apology via Twitter. "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 company wrote in a statement. Urban says the red stains (definitely not blood) are from natural discoloration and the holes are from regular wear and tear.
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Urban Outfitters does this type of thing so frequently a cynic might conclude that it's deliberate. It was recently chastised for selling a "drunk Jesus" T-shirt, a "depression" shirt, "Lord Ganesh" socks etc., etc.
Shortly after spotting the offensive shirt, Buzzfeed noted it was sold out. That's not surprising since the sweatshirt — part of the retailer's vintage collection — appears to be a one-of-a-kind item. A description under the details section reads: "We only have one, so get it or regret it!"
Of the vintage line, the website explains: "Each piece is unique. We have only one available and it can only be purchased by a single customer."
So, does the owner want to step forward?
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