Creative Backlash Against Kenneth Cole's Idiotic Egypt Tweets

By Margaret Hartmann  |  February 4, 2011 | 10:40pm
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Kenneth Cole deleted his infamous Egypt joke from Twitter and released a second apology, but the world hasn’t finished berating him. The Tweet has been emblazoned on a San Francisco store window — protest as street art (or vice-versa?).

Kenneth Cole’s Twitter now directs users to his Facebook page, where he’s posted this message:

I apologize 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 humor regarding a nation liberating themselves against oppression was poorly timed and absolutely inappropriate.
Kenneth Cole, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer

The first response is “You are an asshole! No excuses” and things don’t get much better from there.

Today photos of the Kenneth Cole store in San Francisco’s SoMa district turned up online. At first commenters claimed this photo was the product of a really good Photoshop job, but later other people posted shots of what appears to be a decal.

From rachelbinx’s Flickr:

From edrabbit’s Flickr:

Someone else chose to attack Kenneth Cole (and get a few laughs) by creating the fake Twitter account @KennethColePR. Some sample Tweets:

Rolling through Germany? Gestapo by our new Berlin store! #KennethColeTweets
Jeffrey Dahmer would have eaten up our spring collection! #KennethColeTweets
Black Pants Down – Our new looks are more slimming than a Somali diet! #KennethColeTweets
South Africans won’t be able to tear APARTheid my new knits — they’re just that strong! #KennethColeTweets

The account reached 6,800 followers since yesterday, but a few hours ago the Tweets stopped and this was posted:

@KennethCole an offer: we’ll finish this and turn over @KennethColePR to you if you consider a charitable donation such as @AmnestyOnline

So far there’s no sign that Kenneth Cole has accepted the offer, but a charitable donation isn’t a bad idea. It probably won’t end the kerfuffle entirely, but it’s a good way to prove he really is committed to “raising awareness about serious social issues,” rather than just shilling his clothing line.

I Have Removed This Morning’s Tweet. Please See My Apology Below. -KC [Facebook]
Mikest [Flickr]
Rachelbinx [Flickr]
Edrabbit [Flickr]
@KennethColePR [Twitter]

Earlier: Kenneth Cole Uses Egypt Crisis As Opportunity To Plug New Line

 
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