A tanning salon with locations in Florida and Alabama this week pulled from its website and Facebook page a Thanksgiving-themed ad that mentioned Native Americans’ “sexy color.”
“The Indians brought more than just ‘corn’ to the first Thanksgiving… they brought Sexy ‘Color’!” Club Sun Color Studios’ ad read, according to a screen grab taken by Jezebel.
The ad was taken down by Wednesday night, and David Arnett, the company’s marketing director, posted an apology on Facebook.
“In response to the recent post from Jezebel.com., the ad I created showing a Native American and Pilgrim in costume was in no way intended to be offensive or racist,” Arnett wrote, according to The Kansas City Star. “I sincerely apologize if it offended anyone… I myself am Native American and I am very proud of my heritage and skin tone. The thought process behind the ad was simply a play on my own sexy ‘color’. Again, I apologize for any offense and misunderstanding.”
On Thursday, Jezebel reported that a company employee had written several posts on the Facebook page defending Arnett, and asking, among other things, “Why must everyone be so sensitive?” On Friday, the company’s entire Facebook page appeared to have been taken down.
(Image via Jezebel)
