Target, the popular retailer, is facing a massive backlash over its LGBTQ merchandise, and one outraged customer, Ethan Schmidt, has gone viral on TikTok and Twitter for his outburst.
Far-Right Protest
A video captured the 24-year-old far-right internet personality tossing the rainbow-colored sign to the ground, stomping on it, and even giving it a kick.
Outraged Shoppers Stormed Stores
Outraged shoppers have stormed Target stores, tearing down Pride signs, harassing employees, and even leaving a case of Bud Light alongside the offending items.
Being Progressive Is Expensive
The controversy has resulted in a whopping $9 billion loss for the chain, leaving everyone stunned.
Target Removed Controversial Items
The Minneapolis-based chain, known for its diverse product range, has decided to remove some of the controversial items due to concerns over the safety of its workers.
MAGA Hat Wearer Destroyed LGBTQ Clothing
In one astonishing incident, Schmidt was caught on camera wearing a MAGA hat and ripping down a “#TakePride” sign from a clothing rack adorned with LGBTQ apparel.
All Eyes Were on Him
The footage of outraged far-right activist Ethan Schmidt has spread like wildfire across social media, leaving viewers stunned.
Moving Cases of Bud Lite
But the protests didn’t stop there. One shopper took a more cheeky approach, placing a case of Bud Light on a rack promoting Pride items.
Completed the Display
The photo of the stunt quickly made its way to Twitter, with the caption proudly stating, “Completed the Target display.”
Referencing Trans Character
It was a reference to Bud Light’s partnership with trans social media star Dylan Mulvaney.
Drop in Stock
The controversy has taken a toll on Target’s stock, causing it to drop nearly 20% since the uproar began.
What Will Corporate Do?
The retail giant, with its vast workforce and numerous locations nationwide, has found itself in a difficult position.
Threats to Employees
In response to the escalating situation and threats to their employees’ safety and well-being, Target has decided to remove certain LGBTQ-friendly clothing from its stores.
Pride-Themed Clothing for Infants
The items that have caused the most uproar include Pride-themed clothing for infants and children, featuring messages such as “Pride Adult Drag Queen ‘Katya,'” “Trans people will always exist!” and “Girls Gays Theys.”
Bold Statements on Clothing
The adult Pride line includes sweatshirts and tote bags with bold statements like “Live laugh lesbian,” “Cure transphobia not trans people,” and “We belong everywhere.”
Tuck Friendly Swimwear
Criticism has also been directed at the “tuck-friendly” women’s swimsuits which have been designed with additional fabric in the crotch area to accommodate transgender women who have not undergone gender-affirming operations.
Made by Trans People, For Trans People
The controversial graphic tees in the collection were created by London-based apparel company Abprallen, headed by a transgender man known as “Erik.”
Satanic References!
Abprallen is known for featuring satanic imagery, including pentagrams, horned skulls, and devil references.
The inclusion of this brand in Target’s collection sparked further outrage from conservative demonstrators.
Social Media Clashes
Social media has become a platform for clashes between customers and Target employees.
Shoppers Attack Staff
Videos have surfaced showing heated exchanges between shoppers and staff.
Not the Expected Reaction
In one instance, Ethan Schmidt confronted a Target employee about the inclusion of the “satanic” brand in the Pride collection.
The employee responded sarcastically, fueling the already tense situation.
Giving into the Mob
TikTok users have shared videos revealing Target employees moving the Pride display from the front of the store to less visible areas.
One TikTok user claimed that “upper management folded like a pretzel” after a customer complained about the prominence of the Pride section.
Many Stores are Hiding Pride Displays
The footage shows a Target employee relocating the display, leading to speculation about similar actions taking place in other stores.
What Will They Do Under Mounting Pressure?
As this saga unfolds, the world is watching and waiting to see how Target will respond to the growing pressure.
WIll Target’s Reputation Ever Recover?
Will the retail giant be able to salvage its reputation, or will the fallout continue to haunt them?
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This post “Girls, Gays, Theys” – Target Stores Faces Massive Backlash for LGBTQ Messaging on Kids Clothing first appeared on Wealthy Living.
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Source : Twitter