Join us Sept. 14-16 in Miami to connect with top publishing leaders
Forever 21 is discovering that one of its alleged humorous shirts is anything but funny.
The fast fashion chain is stoking outrage over a men’s T-shirt that stupidly makes fun of rape. “Don’t say maybe if you want to say no,” the shirt reads. Forever 21 is selling the shirt in stores and, at one point, sold it online.
In a statement to Digiday, Forever 21 said it “strives to exemplify the highest ethical standards and takes feedback and product concerns very seriously.” With that, it pulled the T-shirt from its website today and said it “sincerely apologizes to anyone who was offended by the product.”
Still, it apparently took Forever 21 at least several weeks before it took action, as seen by pictures people posted of the shirt in stores:
GOTTA LOVE THAT RAPE CULTURE AT @Forever21
I’M ASHAMED FOR YOUR COMPANY pic.twitter.com/m1zP138Nr7— liam @ FAREWELL (@tf2chainz) February 12, 2016
@Forever21 how about we not perpetuate rape culture with your $19.99 shirt “don’t say maybe if you want to say no” why is this a good idea??
— Elle Wal (@LWald13) March 14, 2016
Who signed off on this shirt?! https://t.co/gz7Te2KAiL
— AnnaMaria Di Pietro (@AnnaMariaDP) March 14, 2016
Forever 21 isn’t new to controversy. Last month, its shoppers lashed the brand for its plus-size Instagram account with models that didn’t appear to fit the larger size.
More in Marketing
Carhartt aligns with the NFL through the tradespeople building Highmark Stadium
Carhartt is finding a way to tap into football season that goes beyond partnering with the athletes themselves.
Future of Marketing Briefing: Soccer’s World Cup buzz isn’t moving needle on Premier League ad spend
The World Cup was a success for broadcasters, but marketers looking to capitalize on rising interest in soccer must navigate a diffuse landscape of sporting properties and fan identities.
Three years after Kokai, The Trade Desk is betting on refinement with Zuma
The Trade Desk wants Zuma — the next version of its programmatic platform, Kokai — to be easier to use, and even harder to leave.