Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
Back to profile6 entries
2013
Exclusionary marketing comments
Resurfaced remarks attributed to Mike Jeffries about targeting attractive, popular consumers led to widespread criticism over exclusion, discrimination, and body-image standards. Jeffries later expressed regret for the wording and rejected discrimination.
2009
Back-to-school “humor tee” criticism
The American Family Association criticized a collection of shirts that promoted sexualized jokes and sexual activity. The company retained the collection despite the criticism.
2005
Sexualized T-shirt backlash
The Girlcott campaign challenged slogans that objectified women and girls. Abercrombie removed several shirts and apologized following national coverage.
2004
Controversial graphic T-shirts
The company faced criticism for shirts stereotyping West Virginia and mocking male gymnasts. It withdrew the gymnastics-related design after a threatened boycott, while the West Virginia design also drew public condemnation.
2002
Asian-themed T-shirt controversy
A T-shirt design criticized as a racist caricature of Chinese immigrants prompted a boycott led by an Asian American student group. Abercrombie discontinued the design and apologized.
2002
Controversy over girls’ underwear
Parents protested slogans on thong underwear sold through the children’s business, arguing that the products sexualized young girls. The company removed the line.