Can you even have a hat store in Nashville without Stetson?
According to NBC News, protestors gathered outside HatWRKS, a popular Nashville-area hat store, after the store began selling yellow “Star Of David” badges with the words “NOT VACCINATED” on them.
The store owner shared this (now deleted) picture to Instagram, saying that trucker hats will be available soon.
Screenshot of a now-removed post from hatWRKS Nashville. Store owner (pictured) didn’t want to talk, and told us to leave her property. We’re talking to synagogue leaders tonight on FOX17 News at 9. pic.twitter.com/Di79WwB9mq
— Rachel Tiede (@RMTiede) May 28, 2021
And while she did remove the post, she did take to Instagram once again to defend the move.
Needless to say, some folks were not happy about it, and they let her know.
Yesterday, a group of demonstrators gathered outside the store to protest… drawing the attention of local news.
More images from the protest. https://t.co/0dUrfgL4fg pic.twitter.com/d3Na9pHH8x
— Rachel Tiede (@RMTiede) May 29, 2021
The planned demonstration featured a large banner outside the store that read, “NO NAZIS IN NASHVILLE.”
And here’s the scene at Hatworks/Hateworks today… pic.twitter.com/7LorTIvIKR
— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) May 29, 2021
Stetson, one of the most iconic hat brands in the world, has since ended their relationship with the store.
They announced the decision in a series of tweets:
As a result of the offensive content and opinions shared by HatWRKS in Nashville, Stetson and our distribution partners will cease the sale of all Stetson products. We thank you for your continued support and patience.
— John B. Stetson (@StetsonUSA) May 29, 2021
Tula Hats has pulled out as well.
“I am aware of the situation with our former vendor Hatwrks in Nashville and appreciate those who messaged. Tula does not condone antisemitism or discrimination of any kind. We have asked to be removed from their website as a supplier.”
As did Kangol:
“Our company has a core value of respect. While we respect freedom of speech, respect for humanity must hold a higher place.
The use of the Star of David by our customer as a statement against vaccination was not just insensitive, but disrespectful and wrong. We encouraged our customer to issue a sincere apology for her mistake and have suspended her account in the meantime.”
HatWRKS has since issued an apology.
