NOSTALGIA BOMB: Abercrombie & Fitch Pays “The Situation” To Stop Wearing Their Clothes
Sometimes digging into your Facebook memories can be horrifying. Other times, it can remind you about a piece of a Pop Culture tidbit that you forgot. In this case, it was the latter.
This morning, I opened my Facebook and looked at my memories. Around 12 years ago, I came across a post I made sharing that the clothing brand Abercrombie & Fitch was going to offer ‘Jersey Shore’ cast member Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino money to STOP HIM from wearing their clothing.
Quoted from The Guardian:
“Abercrombie & Fitch said that while it understood that Jersey Shore is an entertainment show it believed that its customers may be deterred from buying A&F clothing as a result of the negative brand association.
An A&F spokesman said: ‘We are deeply concerned that Mr Sorrentino’s association with our brand could cause significant damage to our image. We have therefore offered a substantial payment to Michael ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino and the producers of MTV’s Jersey Shore to have the character wear an alternate brand. We have also extended this offer to other members of the cast, and are urgently waiting a response.’
It is not hard to see why A&F might want to distance itself from Sorrentino. He and his three male castmates introduced viewers to lifestyle habits they follow with religious conviction – such as ‘GTL,’ the daily routine of gym, tanning, laundry – and derogatory terms such as ‘grenade’ to refer to an unattractive woman.
‘I always meet hot girls, most of the time I give them a ‘Situation’ when we’re done clubbing,’ he has bragged in the past.”
I’m sure it HAS HAPPENED, but maybe more privately, that a brand contacted a celebrity to ask them to STOP using their brand publicly, but this was the first time I recall ever hearing such a thing. Fast forward to now in 2023, and I guarantee it’s had to happen, especially given all the clout chasing that happens on TikTok. Still, awfully funny to remember this from 12 years ago.
In case you’re wondering where The Situation is today, here’s a recent post with DJ Pauly D and Vinny Guadagnino, who look like they are on a ski vacation:
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Ami Nicole (Writer)
Ami Nicole AKA ACRONYM is a Swiss Army Knife of Creativity. Her talents range from Photographer to Journalist, Content Creator to Director, and Arts & Music Event Curator. Fluent in Social Media Strategy, Promotions, and Concert Coverage (Photo & Written), she has bylines in 'High Times Magazine,' 'Merry Jane,' 'The Oakland Press,' 'The Macomb Daily,' and over 60 Beasley Media Group Radio Station sites across the U.S.. Keep up with her adventures at @acronymis.jpeg on Instagram, @acronymis on TikTok, Twitter, and more.