Urban Outfitters receives backlash after selling Kent State massacre sweatshirt

NEW YORK, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Apparel company Urban Outfitters angered patrons after selling a "blood-stained" vintage sweatshirt reminiscent of the "Kent State Massacre."

The sweatshirt, bearing the Kent State name and crest, is described as "washed soft and perfectly broken in" and "cut in a loose, slouchy fit." What the description does not mention are the red spots resembling blood stains over holes in the fabric.

The garment is a reminder of the 1970 "Kent State Massacre" when the Ohio National Guard fired into a crowd of unarmed students, killing four and wounding nine after a demonstration.

Former President Richard Nixon said the shooting was a result of political dissent turning to violence.

"This should remind us all once again that when dissent turns to violence it invites tragedy. It is my hope that this tragic and unfortunate incident will strengthen the determination of all the nation's campuses, administrators, faculty and students alike to stand firmly for the right which exists in this country of peaceful dissent and just as strong against the resort to violence as a means of such expression," he said.

Kent State University criticized the company for exploiting the horrific event.

"We take great offense to a company using our pain for their publicity and profit. This item is beyond poor taste and trivializes a loss of life that still hurts the Kent State community today," university officials told Fox News in a statement.

The listing for the sweatshirt spread quickly across social media, with users calling the sweatshirt "pure garbage."

Urban Outfitters pulled the sweatshirt from its website and apologized for the offense in a statement on Twitter. It said the red spots were not blood stains, but discoloration of the original shade and the holes were from natural wear.

"Urban Outfitters sincerely apologizes for any offense our Vintage Kent State Sweatshirt may have caused. It was never our intention to allude to the tragic events that took place at Kent State in 1970 and we are extremely saddened that this item was perceived as such. The one-of-a-kind item was purchased as part of our sun-faded vintage collection. There is no blood on this shirt nor has this item been altered in any way. The red stains are discoloration from the original shade of the shirt and the holes are from natural wear and fray. Again, we deeply regret that this item was perceived negatively and we have removed it immediately from our website to avoid further upset."