Nike allegedly minimizing Holocaust significance through London Marathon advertisement.
Jennifer Sey, founder of XX-XY, recently walked into the hot seat on the OutKick show, "Don't @ Me with Dan Dakich," to dish the dirt on Nike's alleged backing of a contentious study regarding transgender child athletes.
The sports brand, already dealing with criticism during the week over claims that it sponsored a child transgender athletes study, added fuel to the fire on Monday with a head-scratching billboard displayed at the London Marathon's finish line.
The sign, adorned with stark black letters against a red background, read, "Never Again. Until Next Year." However, this eyebrow-raising phrase, historically associated with never forgetting the Holocaust, sparked an outcry among spectators and commentators.
Despite Nike's focus on motivating runners with the phrase, and its association with pushing beyond personal boundaries, it was clear that the company missed the mark on this occasion.
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Nike's controversial billboard at the London Marathon, echoing the darker aspects of historical events, caused a stir among spectators and critics alike.
Pershing Square CEO, Bill Ackman, headed the chorus of criticism against the sports giant on social media, stating: "The idea that @Nike would make light of the holocaust using Hitler-red imagery in a post-October 7th world is stunning...Heads need to roll, WTF Nike?"
Prominent Rabbi, David Schlusselberg, voiced his discontent on the same platform, remarking: "This Nike advertisement was displayed at the end of the London Marathon. To take a slogan about the Holocaust, and use it for entertainment, is simply grotesque. Nike - Just DON'T do it."
In response to the backlash, Nike initially released a statement on Tuesday, via the Digital website, expressing their remorse for any offense caused: "We did not mean any harm and sincerely apologize for any we caused...[The London billboards] were part of a broader campaign designed to motivate runners to push past what they think is possible...A series of billboards with taglines such as 'Remember why you signed up for this,' 'This is bloody tough,' and 'Never again until next year,' were placed along the route to inspire runners."
Nike logo: The sports giant is taking action following the incident to address the concerns of their critics.
Additionally, Nike issued a statement to The Forward, emphasizing their intention to retract the billboards and apologize for any offense caused: "We did not mean any harm and apologize for any we caused...the language should not have been used."
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- Jennifer Sey, a critic of Nike over its alleged funding of a controversial study on trans kids in sports, also criticized the sports brand for a controversial billboard at the London Marathon.
- The billboard, with the phrase "Never Again. Until Next Year," sparked outrage for its historical association with the Holocaust.
- Bill Ackman, Pershing Square CEO, and Rabbi David Schlusselberg were among those who voiced their disapproval on social media.
- In response to the backlash, Nike released a statement expressing remorse and apologizing for any offense caused, and also stated their intention to retract the billboards.
