In a move that has left many in the fashion world stunned and outraged, a brand has put on sale a limited edition sneaker line featuring a photograph of Donald Trump, taken during the infamous “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017.
The sneakers, which were initially priced at $999, have been met with widespread criticism and have been accused of being tasteless and insensitive. The image on the shoes is a photo of Trump holding a signing of Executive Order 13769, which banned travel to the US from several majority-Muslim countries, taken during the rally, where white nationalists and neo-Nazis gathered to protest the removal of a Confederate monument.
The rally turned violent, resulting in the death of Heather Heyer, a 32-year-old anti-racism activist, and injuring many others. The event was widely condemned by leaders from around the world.
Despite the backlash, the fashion brand has reportedly sold out of the initial batch of shoes, with many customers expressing fascination with the shoes and the controversy surrounding them. The company has since dropped the price to $299, claiming it was a limited-time offer to “make America great again.”
However, many have taken to social media to express their disgust and outrage at the sale, saying that the shoes are a “tasteless” and “repulsive” tribute to the “alt-right” and white supremacy.
“This is a slap in the face to the victims of hate and racism,” wrote one Twitter user. “It’s a disgusting and offensive way to profit off of tragedy and division.”
Others have pointed out that the sneakers are not just a fashion statement, but a symbol of politics and values. “This is a reflection of the toxic and racist ideology that has been normalized by Trump and his supporters,” wrote another Twitter user. “It’s unacceptable that a company is profiting off of this kind of hate and bigotry.”
The company has yet to respond to the backlash, but has been criticized for its lack of sensitivity and ethical awareness. As the debate continues to rage on, it remains to be seen how the company will choose to respond and what the true impact of their decision will be on the public and the fashion world.
Trump Sneakers, With Photo From Shooting, On Sale For $299
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