Fashion retailer Urban Outfitters has apologized for selling a blood-splattered Kent State University sweatshirt, referencing the 1970 shooting in which four students were killed.
On May 4th of that year members of the Ohio National Guard opened fire on unarmed students, who were protesting the Vietnam War on the campus. The shooting sparked a massive nationwide student strike, affecting public opinion over America’s involvement in the war.
The shirt, named “Vintage Kent State Sweatshirt,” was priced at $129. Urban Outfitters removed the pale, red sweatshirt complete with holes in it, from its website after its insensitivity sparked outrage.
The retailer issued a statement Monday, apologizing for any offense the sweatshirt may have caused. It claims that it never meant to reference the school shooting.
“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 statement said.
The company said the shirt was part of their “sun-faded vintage collection,” and the red splotch marks were the result of “discoloration” from the original red shade of the shirt. The holes in the shirt are the result of “natural wear and fray,” the company said, adding that there is no actual blood on the item.