Customers Are Outraged Over This Controversial American Eagle Bracelet
In a society that’s becoming more and more woke, the fashion industry is being held accountable for its missteps. Not only are companies being called upon to be more ethically conscious, using eco and-animal-friendly materials to make their wares (Michael Kors and Jimmy Choojust nixed fur from their lineups), they’re also being called out for lack of social awareness where it exists with regard to their designs. American Eagle, for one, is now apologizing after debuting a piece of jewelry in its stores which many found to be particularly offensive.
The item in question was a bracelet made to look like a shackle. Customers were outraged over the design, pointing to the metal cuff screws reminiscent of those worn by slaves throughout history.
@american_eagle I saw this "bracelet" in and think you need to revisit this. I would never wear this due to the obvious slavery connection. I hope you do the right thing and remove this from your stores. Please retweet your support. #SlavesNoMore pic.twitter.com/aShkem9szx
— Ronald E. Frazier II (@Ron_II) December 11, 2017
According to Hello Giggles, Ronald E. Frazier II, found the bracelet in an AE store on December 11. He opened up a discussion about the piece via Twitter, writing, “I saw this bracelet in and think you need to revisit this. I would never wear this due to the obvious slavery connection. I hope you do the right thing and remove this from your stores. Please retweet your support. #SlavesNoMore.”
Others were quick to agree, voicing their disapproval on the social media platform.
The fact that no one had anything to say from concept to production to distribution is the most disturbing fact… https://t.co/uMzjfi0wO1
— This Is Life (@thisislife346) December 17, 2017
I mean, COME ON, @AEO!! Seems a little obvious. We do not need to get slavery jewelry trending. It IS offensive. https://t.co/keZWPnf58z
— Lorraine Devon Wilke (@LorraineDWilke) December 13, 2017
This really is offensive @american_eagle . Seriously what were you thinking? This needs to leave the stores immediately and anyone that buys one should be questioned on their moral judgement. #notcool #SlavesNoMore https://t.co/lpkesSEYLf
— 🐉Nene Chan🎲 (@mizuki_hana2) December 18, 2017
We’ve heard and understand the concerns about the bracelet. We apologize and will remove the product from our stores and website.
— American Eagle (@AEO) December 12, 2017
Suddenly y'all are canceled!!!!
— . (@crazymisshyde) December 12, 2017
This really is offensive @american_eagle . Seriously what were you thinking? This needs to leave the stores immediately and anyone that buys one should be questioned on their moral judgement. #notcool #SlavesNoMore https://t.co/lpkesSEYLf
— 🐉Nene Chan🎲 (@mizuki_hana2) December 18, 2017
AE has since responded by removing the promptly removing product and issuing an apology via tweet.
We’ve heard and understand the concerns about the bracelet. We apologize and will remove the product from our stores and website.
— American Eagle (@AEO) December 12, 2017
“We’ve heard and understand the concerns about the bracelet,” the company wrote. “We apologize and will remove the product from our stores and website.”
What do you think of American Eagle debacle? Tell us @BritandCo
(Photo via Tim Boyle/Getty)
