OMFG! Topman glamourising domestic violence.

[FlamingoBingo]

Just shocking!

I can't see anything on the link, it's blank - maybe they pulled it?

what did it say?

Awful T shirts.

Although I loathe all slogan t-shirts. It's a sign of mindlessness and inability to express oneself other than wearing the product of some marketing bloke's efforts.

Awful T shirts.

Although I loathe all slogan t-shirts. It's a sign of mindlessness and inability to express oneself other than wearing the product of some marketing bloke's efforts.

some things are worth posting twice.

Beryl

I cant see them

what were the slogans? we can't see them now.

It was only the other day I had my best friend tell me with a completely straight face that she excused her ex for one of the times he hit her, because she had provoked him. I felt sad, angry, and completely powerless.

And now this Sometimes I want to go and live in a bear cave and forget the rest of the world exists.

I've just received this email:

Dear Leo,

Thank you for your email received 14 September 2011, regarding the ?I?m So Sorry? T-shirt.

I was extremely concerned to note your comments on the design that is on this T-shirt, and would like to offer my sincere apologies on behalf of Topman for the obvious upset this particular garment has caused you.

Topman stock T-shirts with various designs on them, and by featuring this particular design we certainly did not mean to cause offence to our customers or any members of the public. Please accept my assurances that this image was in no way meant to make light of any sort of violence and was instead meant to be light hearted without carrying any serious meaning.

I have passed a copy of your email to our Buying Director, so that he is aware of how strongly you feel about this issue. We are proud of our reputation as a retailer, and do not want to risk damaging this by causing any unnecessary upset to anyone. He has confirmed that the decision has been made to remove this T-shirt from online and in store.

I am grateful you have taken the time to bring your concerns to our attention, and once again apologise for the upset this T-shirt caused you.

Regards,

Steph
Topman Customer Service

I just received the exact same email response

I am assuming that this Steph is a woman ? ie Stephanie ? ye Gods...

Of course, you'll all get the same e-mail, just as we did over the EastEnders plots.

Twats.

Topman that is, not you guys

Me too .This is the first time I have complained- really got sort of angrily moved to say something.
At least I have said my bit.

What a pathetic response!

Please accept my assurances that this image was in no way meant to make light of any sort of violence and was instead meant to be light hearted without carrying any serious meaning.

Who really thought this was light hearted? I can only assume that none of the focus groups contained women, or they did they were ignored. I would love to know what situation they presented for the excuses when pitching this tshirt.

They've been withdrawn

here

You will get an automated response from this company, as they will probably be having alot of comments to answer to and although want to answer them, dont have the time or manpower to write answers to everyone.

I saw this in the news today whilst at lunch (work in retail, no i'm not telling you which one, but it's not TM) and I was really upset by it. It took me explaining to most of the males in the room why it was so offensive. Once I'd explained the meaning behind it, they were as uspet and thought that it would be wrong for them to sell it. I and others were shocked that it had managed to go through so many channels before it hit the sales floor and so many of the area managers/buyers/merchandisers who all approved it. Who thinks of these things and thinks they're acceptable?

I don't actually see that that response makes any sense at all:

was in no way meant to make light of any sort of violence and was instead meant to be light hearted without carrying any serious meaning

How are you "light-hearted and not seriously considering" [any issue] but not "making light" of it? Those sound like the same thing to me, or at least so close that there isn't really room for TM to hide in the space covered by the minimal distinction.

I got the same stock response as well and I was puzzled by exactly the same line in it as you were Herd.

I just find it really odd that these t-shirts actually made it on the shelves....they MUST have considered how offended some people would be. The fact they use the word "lighthearted" just makes it all the worse actually. The really sad thing is that they really don't seem to get it.

Reminds me of a really terrible t-shirt my ex-boyfriend had - I would end the relationship if a current partner owned a t-shirt like that (but was much younger and more stupid at the time). I can't even tell you what was on it, it really was shocking and it still haunts me to this day (10 years on).

Guy at my college used to walk around wearing a "I love rohypnol" t-shirt. Might as well have said "I love rape". Used to turn my stomach when I saw him wearing it (which was worryingly often).

I see women wearing far more offensive T shirts all the time.

Some of these for example: www.lushtshirts.co.uk/womens/?osCsid=efa1935555e954b412c86c30e722a573

[gasp]

Some of those are horrifying

I am extrememy upset and horrified!

A month ago I left a relationship after being repeatedly abused (phys/emot/sexual) It is all very raw to me as I have only just come to terms with the fact its not my faulty and never has been.

I hate to think how I would have reacted to seeing anyone wearing this T-Shirt.

The funny thing is the one person I KNOW would find this T-Shirt funny is the person who beat me and still thinks it is my fault.

Another reason to hate that company.