U.S. clothing designer Kenneth Cole has caused outrage by his tweet on Egypt in which he implied the “uproar in Cairo” is due to his brand’s “new spring collection.”
Mr. Cole, founder and chairman of the Kenneth Cole Fashion House, later apologised for his comment and withdrew the tweet.
“Millions are in an uproar in Cairo. Rumour is they heard our new spring collection is now available ...,” Mr. Cole posted on Twitter.
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The designer later apologised on his Facebook page saying, “I apologise 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 humour regarding a nation liberating themselves against oppression was poorly timed and absolutely inappropriate.”
The tweet drew criticism and outrage online.
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“Really, KenDoll —— anyone who would even think to make that sort of remark needs to be taken down a notch,” a person with the screen-name Zoey said on a chat forum on Mr. Cole’s Facebook page.
Another remark read, “Enjoy the virtual lashing!” People also posted mocking tweets pretending to promote Mr. Cole’s clothing line with references to hurricane-induced flooding in New Orleans and the World Trade Center attacks.