Forever 21 catches heat for ‘Fake News’ apparel

Retailer Forever21 is facing backlash for selling biker shorts plastered with the words “fake news.”

The black shorts, plastered with the phrase in white lettering, are one of multiple items — including a graphic hoodie and matching joggers — currently for sale on the store’s website that market the term “fake news.”

Social media users took to Twitter to express their frustration over incorporating the phrase — which President Trump often uses in slamming reporting he doesn’t like. A Baltimore Sun reporter tweeted “this is not funny, cute or fashionable.” 

 Others applauded the store for selling the apparel.

Earlier this year, Bloomingdale’s apologized for selling a T-shirt with the words “Fake News” displayed on it after a reporter from New York posted a photo on Twitter, spurring criticism.{mosads}

The Washington, D.C.-based Newseum also ran into similar backlash in Aug. 2018 after selling “You are very fake news” t-shirts on its website and in its gift shop. The “fake news” T-shirts were for sale for $19.95 until the items drew attention after a report by the Poynter Institute, a journalism nonprofit.

Just days later, directors of the Newseum apologized and took the shirts off of its website. 

“The Newseum has removed the ‘You Are Very Fake News’ T-shirts from the gift shop and online. We made a mistake and we apologize,” the Aug. 4 statement read. “A free press is an essential part of our democracy and journalists are not the enemy of the people.”

Joe Concha contributed.

Tags apparel Donald Trump Fake News

Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.