A clothing company is facing backlash after it showed off several hoodies with distressing that mimicked bullet holes from schools that have been the target of shootings.
Bstroy unveiled the hoodies at a fashion show earlier this week, according to Today, but they were posted on Instagram on Monday. The hoodies have the names of Stoneman Douglas, Columbine, Sandy Hook, and Virginia Tech—four high profile school shootings.
The hoodies are not available for purchase on the company’s website.
People on social media criticized the hoodies as “fucking gross” and “disgraceful” (among other things) on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2cO2Nwhr_e/
Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter was one of the 17 people killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, last year, also criticized the brand’s decision to show off the hoodies.
Guttenberg has become an outspoken proponent of gun reform.
“Under what scenario could somebody think this was a good idea? This has me so upset. If any of my followers [know] anybody involved with this clothing line, please ask them to stop it immediately,” he wrote on Twitter.
Under what scenario could somebody think this was a good idea? This has me so upset. If any of my followers no anybody involved with this clothing line, please ask them to stop it immediately.https://t.co/VzAlog0TCt
— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) September 17, 2019
He added:
“@bRicKOwens, my daughter died in the MSD school shooting. This clothing line is hurting gun violence victims all over again. Please terminate this line.”
@bRicKOwens, my daughter died in the MSD school shooting. This clothing line is hurting gun violence victims all over again. Please terminate this line. https://t.co/uBdesD8Bu0
— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) September 17, 2019
According to Paper magazine, the brand released an “artist statement” explaining the hoodies.
It reads:
“Sometimes life can be painfully ironic. Like the irony of dying violently in a place you considered to be a safe, controlled environment, like school. We are reminded all the time of life’s fragility, shortness, and unpredictability yet we are also reminded of its infinite potential.”
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