This morning Kenneth Cole caused quite a stir when he used the conflict in Egypt as a way to promote his brand’s e-commerce. Tweeting from the offical @kennethcole account, the designer said, “Millions are in uproar over #Cairo. Rumor is they heard our new spring collection is now available online at http://bit.ly/KCairo -KC.”
Unfortunately, his 9,500 followers found the statement more offensive than witty, and the news spread like wildfire. But before most people even knew what went down, an anonymous tweeter created a spoof on the controversy under the username @KennethColePR, listing his location as “a disaster near you” and writing a bio that reads “Kenneth Cole is all about making sure you look good…no matter what’s happening.”
The account has quickly racked up nearly 4,000 followers with hilarious satirical tweets like “Check out our new colab with @BP_America — slick looks for spring! #oilspill #KennethColeTweets,” and “People of Australia: Water up to your ankles? We’ve got your Kenneth Cole capris right here! #KennethColeTweets.”
Cole has since attempted to amend the mishap by deleting the now, infamous tweet, and issuing an apology:
I apologize to everyone who was offended by my insensitive tweet about the situation in Egypt. I’ve dedicated my life to raising awareness about serious social issues, and in hindsight my attempt at
humor regarding a nation liberating themselves against oppression was poorly timed and absolutely
inappropriate.
Let this be a warning–watch what you tweet people!
Designer(s): Kenneth Cole
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hahaa “I’v dedicated my life to raising awareness about social issues”
yes Kenneth the goodness is pouring out of your commerce veins..
If a comedian said it, no one would bat an eye. He’s a fashion designer not a diplo at the UN. WHO CARES???
Just because he’s a fashion ‘designer’ (the extent of that could be argued) doesn’t mean he should portray the industry as even more brainless than it’s already perceived. A comedian’s job is to use dark humour – his isn’t to use it to sell more hideous shoes.
Meh….more “important” people have said much worse and gotten far less backlash.
The situation in Egypt is, no doubt, a tragedy…and everyone affected by the occurrences is most certainly in my prayers, but the reality is that things like this happen every day all over the world and noone cares. Why now? Why with Egypt? Do they deserve any more concern than, say, the crisis in Darfur? Do the rapes and deaths of innocent women in Iran and other countries deserve any less? I can run through countless other examples, as well.
The reality is that we’ve glamorized and idealized Egypt over the years, and now when something like this happens, it captures all of our attention because most people know nothing of Egypt outside of the “glitz and glamour” of ANCIENT Egypt, mind you, that has been shown to us from Hollywood.
Wake up, people…this isn’t an isolated incident, so stop getting your panties bunched up. If you’re really concerned, you’d take a stand against tragedies like this that happen everywhere, everyday.
I had a room mate (who was not as stupid as a brick, in case she comes off that way) who graduated with an honors degree in International Development Studies who had never, ever heard of Darfur.
WTF?! Seriously?
Srsly. I know right.
WTF?! Seriously?
If the joke was funny, at all, this would be less of a scandal.