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Kent State University

Urban Outfitters sorry for bloody-looking 'vintage' Kent State University sweatshirt

Jessica Durando
USA TODAY
Vintage Kent State sweatshirt sold by Urban Outfitters.

Update: 5:13 p.m.

Urban Outfitters said that the one Kent State University sweatshirt, which attracted attention for its blood-stained appearance, will not be sold. Instead, it will be destroyed, according to spokeswoman Crystal Carroll.

Carroll said that the clothing company's public relations department has been in touch with Kent State on Monday. It removed the sweatshirt, which is part of a larger collection, from the website this morning as well, she said.

Many people are incensed by its apparent connection to the fatal May 4, 1970, shootings in which four students were killed by the Ohio National Guard during Vietnam War protests.

Although Carroll said the item will not be sold, it says on its website that the $129 sweatshirt has sold out.

Vintage Kent State sweatshirt sold out, website says.

Earlier Monday a page on eBay was created with a starting bid of $550 plus free shipping or "Buy It Now" price for $2,500. The page appears to have since been taken down.

Carroll thinks that the sweatshirt on eBay is "bogus" because the one sweatshirt created by Outfitters is currently at one of the company's distribution center.

Kent State released a statement earlier Monday on the university's website regarding the sweatshirt, saying," May 4, 1970, was a watershed moment for the country and especially the Kent State family. We lost four students that day while nine others were wounded and countless others were changed forever.We take great offense to a company using our pain for the publicity and profit."

KSU added, "This item is beyond poor taste and trivializes a loss of life that still hurts the Kent State community today."

Urban Outfitters has also posted an apology on Twitter:

"It was never our intention to allude to the tragic events that took place at Kent State in 1970 and we are extremely saddened that this item was perceived as such," Outfitters posted on Twitter.

The company added, "The one-of-a-kind item was purchased as part of our sun-faded vintage collection. There is no blood on this shirt nor has this item been altered in any way."

And wrote that the red stains are "discoloration from the original shade of the shirt and the holes are from natural wear and fray."

Contributing: Ryan C. Haidet, WKYC-TV

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