Retail mogul Walmart is discontinuing the sales of a Black Lives Matter t-shirt following complaints from the country’s largest police union, who accused the chain of “profiting from racial division.”
The company announced Tuesday that they are shutting down sales of a shirt and hoodie that says “BULLETPROOF” with the words “Black Lives Matter” written under it.
The shirt was targeted after the National Fraternal Order of Police took note of the shirt, with group president Chuck Canterbury writing a strongly-worded letter to Walmart that accused the chain of making a quick buck from racial division in America.
“At a time of year when we as a nation and indeed, as a world, should be coming together in hopes of peace on Earth and goodwill toward men, these third party sellers are profiting from racial division,” Canterbury wrote. “Commercializing our differences will not help our local police and communities to build greater trust and respect for one another. Turning a buck on strained relationships will not contribute to the healing process.”
Canterbury also noted his concern that selling the divisive wares would tarnish Walmart’s reputation with police.
“I know our request that you dissociate the company from these products will be seriously considered,” Canterbury wrote.
According to The Washington Post, Walmart issued a statement Tuesday night saying that ““Like other online retailers, we have a marketplace with millions of items offered by third parties that includes Blue Lives Matter, Black Lives Matter and All Lives Matter merchandise. After hearing concerns from customers, we are removing the specific item with the ‘bulletproof’ reference.” The “bulletproof” shirts say “Bulletproof” with “Black Lives Matter” beneath that line.”
The shirts have since been made unavailable for purchase.
© 2016 Bright Mountain Media, Inc.
All rights reserved. The content of this webpage may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written consent of Bright Mountain Media, Inc. which may be contacted at info@brightmountainmedia.com, ticker BMTM.
