The Los Angeles Kings apologized for selling scarves made in Turkey during Armenian Heritage Night. They recognized the oversight could have impacted the experience of the Armenian community. The team is offering refunds or exchanges for the affected merchandise, having not known the manufacturing origin at the time of sale.
The Los Angeles Kings Hockey Club has extended an apology for inadvertently selling scarves produced in Turkey during their Armenian Heritage Night, which took place last month. The team issued a statement acknowledging the oversight and expressing regret for any offense caused. “We, the LA Kings and our partners at Rank & Rally want to sincerely apologize to all our friends in the Armenian Community and beyond for the oversight,” they stated, emphasizing that they were unaware of the scarves’ manufacturing origins.
Armenian Heritage Night, celebrated annually, holds significance for the local community, particularly as Los Angeles boasts the largest Armenian population outside of Armenia. This heartfelt event took place on February 22, marking an occasion to honor and showcase Armenian culture. Relations between Armenia and Turkey remain strained due to historical conflicts, including the tragic events of 1915 that many historians classify as genocide—a label that Turkey disputes.
To address the situation, the Kings are offering full refunds or exchanges for those who purchased the scarves at the TEAM LA store. Fans may return the items either in person or through mail, ensuring that any displeasure regarding the merchandise can be resolved swiftly and amicably.
In summary, the Los Angeles Kings have apologized for their misstep of featuring scarves made in Turkey during Armenian Heritage Night, acknowledging the potential for offense within the Armenian community. They are providing remedies for affected patrons and reinforcing their commitment to cultural sensitivity. This incident underscores the complexities surrounding historical relationships and the significance of careful merchandising.
Original Source: www.yakimaherald.com
