Abercrombie & Fitch Issues Apology Over CEO Mike Jeffries' Controversial Comment

After comments by Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries were made, saying that his store only marketed to "cool, good-looking people," Abercombie & Fitch issued an apology.

The Abercrombie apology stated: "We look forward to continuing this dialogue and taking concrete steps to demonstrate our commitment to anti-bullying in addition to our ongoing support of diversity and inclusion. We want to reiterate that sincerely regret and apologize for any offense caused by comments we have made in the past which are contrary to these values."

The popular clothing brand's apology was issued after a meeting with teen activists who stormed the company's headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. The meeting included the attendance of eating disorder survivor Benjamin O'Keefe, who started a Change.org petition calling for Abercrombie & Fitch to make clothes for teens of all sizes. Currently, the brand does not make clothing above size 10.

"I'm happy to hear that Abercrombie took my passion and your voices to heart in this meeting and plans to take concrete steps to show their support for diversity and inclusion," O'Keefe said.

Further ashamed of his highlighted comment, Jeffries posted a follow-up apology to his Facebook. "I sincerely regret that my choice of words was interpreted in a manner that has caused offense," he wrote. "A&F is an aspirational brand that, like most specialty apparel brands, targets its marketing at a particular segment of customers. However, we care about the broader communities in which we operate and are strongly committed to diversity and inclusion. We hire good people who share these values. We are completely opposed to any discrimination, bullying, derogatory characterizations or other anti-social behavior based on race, gender, body type or other individual characteristics."

It is one thing to say something, and another to do it. Will Abercrombie & Fitch practice what they preach and start making clothing of all sizes? Or are they just trying to maintain their cool? Only time will tell. 

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