Urban Outfitters Controversies

Overview

Urban Outfitters Controversies refers to backlashes against the American multinational clothing corporation Urban Outfitters for selling various products, many of which have been criticized for being tasteless, offensive and cultural insensitive.

Background

In October 2003, the presidents of the St. Petersburg and Hillsborough County Florida chapters of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) called for Urban Outfitters to stop selling copies of the “Ghettopoly” board game, in which players compete to become “the richest playa through stealing, cheating and fencing stolen properties” (shown below).^[1]

Notable Developments

2003: “Everyone Loves a Jewish Girl” T-Shirt

In 2003, Urban Outfitters began carrying a T-shirt with a print of the phrase “Everyone Loves a Jewish Girl” surrounded by dollar signs and handbags (shown below). In January 2004, the retailer discontinued production of the shirt, receiving praise from the Anti-Defamation League^[2] for the decision.

2008: “Victimized” T-Shirt

In May 2008, Urban Outfitters pulled a T-Shirt featuring a Palestinian boy carrying an assault rifle accompanied by the phrase “Victimized” from stores after receiving criticism from the American Jewish groups for promoting violence.

Urban Outfitter’s store operations manager Stacey Strober released a statement announcing the shirt’s removal and claiming the company did not mean to carry offensive items.

“Please understand that we do not buy items to provoke controversy or to intentionally offend. We have pulled this item in all of our locations and will no longer be selling it online either.”

2010: “Eat Less” T-Shirt

In June 2010, a women’s T-shirt with the phrase “Eat Less” printed on the front was placed for sale on the Urban Outfitters website (shown below, left). The shirt was subsequently criticized by many for promoting eating disorders. In protest, actress Sophia Bush launched a boycott of the store (shown below, right).

2012: St. Patrick’s Day T-Shirts

In March 2012, Irish American groups threatened to boycott Urban Outfitters for a line of St. Patrick’s Day shirts which depicted those of Irish descent as alcoholics.

2012: Jewish Star T-Shirt

In April 2012, The Anti-Defamation League denounced Urban Outfitters for selling a T-Shirt with a six-pointed star printed on the front, claiming it mimicked a star Jews were forced to wear in Nazi Germany during the Holocaust.

2014: Kent State Sweater

In September 2014, Urban Outfitters featured a sweater on their online store titled “Vintage Kent State Sweatshirt,” which appeared to have splattered blood on faded pink material (shown below), lead many to assume the item was mocking the 1970 Kent State University shootings where four students were shot and killed by the Ohio National Guard.

The item was heavily criticized in social media, leading the retailer to post an apology on their official Twitter^[4] account denying any intentional connection to the Kent State shootings.

“Urban Outfitters sincerely apologizes for any offense our Vintage Kent State Sweatshirt may have caused. 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. Again, we deeply regret that this item was perceived negatively and we have removed it immediately from our website to avoid further upset.”

Search Interest

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