Bloomingdale’s Caves to Journalists Triggered by ‘Fake News’ Shirt

Bloomingdale’s removed a shirt with the words “fake news” on it following an angry response from journalists on social media.

PIX11 reporter Allison Kaden complained on Twitter, Sunday, about the “fake news” shirt on sale at the department store, posting, “Hey @Bloomingdales, this isn’t funny or fashionable. It further delegitimizes hard working journalists who bring REAL news to their communties.”

Hey @Bloomingdales, this isn’t funny or fashionable. It further delegitimizes hard working journalists who bring REAL news to their communties. pic.twitter.com/NedoHMAZfs

— Allison Kaden (@akadennews) February 10, 2019

The post prompted Bloomingdale’s to remove the t-shirts from sale and offer an apology.

“Thank you for bringing this to our attention and we apologize for any offense we may have caused,” the store responded. “We take this feedback very seriously and are working quickly to remove this t-shirt. Again, thank you for taking the time to alert us.”

Thank you for bringing this to our attention and we apologize for any offense we may have caused. We take this feedback very seriously and are working quickly to remove this t-shirt. Again, thank you for taking the time to alert us.

— Bloomingdale's (@Bloomingdales) February 11, 2019

Despite the apology, Baltimore Sun journalist Pamela Wood also joined in with the complaints, claiming the t-shirts “damage” democracy.

“Hi, @bloomingdales. Apologizing ‘for any offense we may have caused’ is not a sincere apology,” Wood proclaimed. “This is not about journalists’ hurt feelings. This is about damage done to our democracy when your brand joins in perpetuating and celebrating the idea of ‘fake news.’ Please try again.”

Hi, @bloomingdales. Apologizing "for any offense we may have caused" is not a sincere apology. This is not about journalists' hurt feelings. This is about damage done to our democracy when your brand joins in perpetuating and celebrating the idea of "fake news." Please try again.

— Pamela Wood (@pwoodreporter) February 11, 2019

In 2015, Bloomingdale’s apologized for an advertisement after social media users accused it of promoting date rape.

The advertisement, which Bloomingdale’s conceded was “inappropriate and in poor taste,” declared, “Spike your best friend’s eggnog when they’re not looking.”

Or don't and quit being a creep… #Bloomingdales pic.twitter.com/Liu8DKMMnP

— Kristen Alderson (@krisalderson) November 10, 2015