Urban Outfitters issues apology for controversial Kent State sweatshirt

New York -- Urban Outfitters on Monday apologized via its Twitter account after it came under fire for selling a “vintage” Kent State University sweatshirt featuring red dye markings that resembled blood stains, a look that called to mind the infamous shooting that occurred on the Kent State campus in 1970.



In its apology, Urban Outfitters said that the one-of-a-kind product was part of its sun-faded vintage collection. The company called red stains and holes “discoloration from the original shade of the shirt and the holes are from natural wear and fray.”



“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,” Urban Outfitters said. “Again, we deeply regret that this item was perceived negatively and we have removed it immediately from our website to avoid further upset.”



Images of the sweatshirt, which quickly circulated online, drew an immediate response from Kent State University.



“This item is beyond poor taste and trivializes a loss of life that still hurts the Kent State community today," the university said in a statement on its website. "We take great offense to a company using our pain for their publicity and profit.”



In related news, eBay, citing a policy against the selling of items linked to disasters or tragedies, took down a listing for the controversial sweatshirt. The seller, who was not named, tried to resell it on EBay for $2,500, and pledged to give 50% of the profits from the sale to the Southern Poverty Law Center.



Urban Outfitters has attracted public criticism over other controversial items. Last year, it pulled a series of shot glasses and flasks that resembled prescription pill bottles after lawmakers said the items promoted drug use.