American Eagle pulls bracelet amid outcry that it resembles a slave shackle
American Eagle will stop selling a bracelet after criticism from people who said it resembled a symbol of slavery.
The item was likened to a shackle and prompted some to wonder why American Eagle had produced it in the first place.
Seriously...WTH were they thinking? Why would I buy anything from a company who didn’t realize this was RACIST and a BAD idea? Boycotting @AEO from now on! #GrabYourWallet. American Eagle pulls bracelet social media backlash https://t.co/9W0rZ8f7rL via @YouTube
— Woke Sistah (@WokeSistah) December 13, 2017
Anyone see the American eagle bracelet that looks like a shackle
— C ✨ (@_thatMDgirl) December 12, 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
In response, the company issued a release saying it would pull the product.
“We’ve heard and understand the concerns about the bracelet,” the company tweeted. “We apologize and will remove the product from our stores and website.”
The item was described as a men’s “silver AEO metal cuff” in promotional materials, according to KTNV.
Some argued removing the product was overly sensitive of the company.
But many others praised the decision to pull it.
“Dear American Eagle, I’m not sure this is the kind of bracelet you want to be selling. All it’s missing is a chain,” wrote @missmaybell on Twitter.
@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
Max Londberg: 816-234-4378, @MaxLondberg
This story was originally published December 13, 2017 at 3:19 PM with the headline "American Eagle pulls bracelet amid outcry that it resembles a slave shackle."