Hey you all,
By now, everyone should know that when you send something out online, it's probably going to be there forever. This is especially important for public figures and organizations who have a wide range of followers, many of whom are customers that could be offended.
For today's post on the biggest social media scandals, I want to address the tweet sent out by Kenneth Cole, making light of the Egyptian Revolution by promoting his own brand. I happen to follow Kenneth Cole on Twitter, and he walks a thin line between internet troll and ignorant celebrity. As Egypt was in the midst of a revolution in 2012, Kenneth Cole had this to say via Twitter "Millions are in uproar in #Cairo. Rumor is they heard our new spring collection is now available online." To be honest, I thought it was a funny joke, but it isn't one that can be said by a celebrity/CEO who constantly has his reputation on the line.
Now what makes me think that Kenneth Cole is doing this for his own amusement? He tweeted a similar tweet regarding the crisis in Syria a few month's later, drawing more ire from sensitive followers. You can only make a mistake like that so many times.
Kenneth Cole can get only away with this for so long. I highly doubt that Macy's would throw out all Kenneth Cole items out of their inventory after one inappropriate tweet, but if this continues to be a pattern, I'd say Kenneth Cole is in jeopardy.
If I am Kenneth Cole, I'm taking it easy on social media. Even if it is unintentional, there is simply way too many people/customers that can be offended. Remember Kenneth, at the end of the day, the customer is always right.
Matt
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