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.” 

This is not funny, cute or fashionable, @Forever21. Why are you selling this product? https://t.co/cXs0NeOMfD

— Pamela Wood (@pwoodreporter) July 23, 2019

Turns out, all you need to express your hatred for journalists in clothing form is $9.90, to be given to @Forever21! Wow, so affordable! pic.twitter.com/MrcYGjgCoz

— Katherine Fominykh (@katfominykh) July 22, 2019

 Others applauded the store for selling the apparel.

These are HILARIOUS! I love it! #fakenews

— Jamie Dacus (@dacus_jamie) July 23, 2019

 So you get to decide what’s funny or cute for everyone else? Don’t like it don’t buy it. #fakenews

— Carla Burlando (@CarlaBurlando) July 23, 2019

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.