Walmart seeks distance from T-shirt threatening journalists
A vendor’s malicious graphic tee ended up on the chain’s website. A journalist advocacy group protested, and it was quickly pulled. For some, the error is inexcusable, the damage irreparable.
It’s not just what you make; what you sell can land you in hot water, too.
Walmart, the giant discount retailer, is trying to distance its brand from an incendiary third-party T-shirt that promotes violence toward journalists.
The T-shirt first appeared during the 2016 presidential campaign, inspired by Republican candidate Donald Trump’s animosity toward members of the media and mainstream news outlets generally. The apparel item was widely condemned at the time, yet it has resurfaced on Walmart’s online marketplace, much to the company’s chagrin.
Bloomberg reported:
Walmart has pulled a T-shirt offered by an outside seller from its online store after a journalist advocacy group told the retailer it found the shirt threatening.
The shirt, listed on Walmart.com through third-party seller Teespring, said: “Rope. Tree. Journalist. SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED.”
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today
Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.
