Pop star Miley Cyrus joined the Twitter fray against Urban Outfitters this week, adding to follower complaints about a stolen jewelry design by accusing the fashion and accessory retailer of supporting anti-gay political campaigns.
According to the Vancouver Sun, a heated dispute erupted on Twitter after Etsy designer Stevie Koerner claimed that Urban Outfitters stole her idea for a state-shaped jewelry pendant in order to sell knock-off versions at a steep discount. The pendants, which Koerner sells as part of her “A World of Love” jewelry line, inspired heated responses from Twitter users who joined Koerner in challenging Urban Outfitters’ creative integrity.
Miley Cyrus subsequently seized the opportunity to capitalize on the retailer’s bad press and reveal that the company’s CEO, Richard Hayne, has lent financial support to conservative Republican and anti-gay politician Rick Santorum.
Cyrus tweeted, “Love that everybody is hating on Urban Outiftters,” and added, “not only do they steal from artists but every time you give them money you help finance a campaign against gay equality. #SHADYASHELL.”
The teen pop queen went on to point out that Hayne donated $13,000 to Santorum’s Political Action Committee – and quoted the right-wing politician’s belief that “If we allow gay marriage, next thing you know people will be marrying goldfish.”
Urban Outfitters has yet to respond to the Twitter uproar, but the chain has pulled all of their own state-shaped pendants from the online store.
Miley Cyrus is a Dork. I am glad someone supports Republicans.