‘Don't Say Maybe If You Want To Say No.’
High street retailer Forever 21 has come under fire overnight, for selling a totally offensive pro-rape t-shirt in its stores and online.
The men’s tee, which is emblazoned with the slogan ‘Don't Say Maybe If You Want To Say No,’ has understandably caused outrage on social media.
‘Hey, @Forever21, we think you should #StopVictimBlaming and pull this shirt from your stores.’ @ProjectConsent Tweeted. ‘Jaw-droppingly repulsive’ one user Tweeted, while others were quick to point out the difference between a yes and a no.
‘Dear @Forever21 Maybe is not yes,maybe is not no. And if s/he says maybe,thats what it mean. It doesn't mean yes,’ said @PhantomePheonix.
‘Forever 21 is selling a shirt that says “don’t say maybe if you want to say no.” How about “don’t do something if you don’t hear a yes,” added @KristinDakota.
The brand loves a lads lads lads slogan – other offerings with deep and meaningful messages include ‘Player’s Club’ and ‘You Know I’m Right’ – but rationalising rape on a top? Really, Forever 21, who on your team thought that was a good idea?
In response to the feedback, Forever 21 have now removed the offending top from its website and stores and released the following statement; ‘Forever 21 strives to exemplify the highest ethical standards and takes feedback and product concerns very seriously. With regards to the t-shirt in question, upon receiving feedback from our customers, we took immediate action to have it removed from our website. We sincerely apologise to anyone who was offended by the product.’
It really should never have made it off of the design floor in the first place though, should it?
