Hayabusa has released a statement announcing that they will not be marketing the gi that UFC Welterweight champion GSP wore during UFC 158.
The gi that UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre wore during UFC 158 appeared to be offensive because of the Rising Sun imagery featured on the gi which is associated with Japan's World War II era regime. After Chan Sung Jung wrote a public letter to Georges St-Pierre, Hayabusa has released their own statement on Facebook:
Since Georges St-Pierre wore our walkout gi at UFC 158 we have received attention surrounding the negative connotation of the rising sun graphic used. The last thing we want is to offend or alienate anyone with the choice of design on our products.
We at Hayabusa have the utmost respect for culture and history and appreciate all of our customers worldwide. As such, we accept full responsibility for this design and are taking all complaints and comments very seriously.
The gi worn by GSP will not be brought to market. In addition, we will be very conscious of this specific design element when developing future communication materials and products.
Please accept our sincerest apology for any offence this has caused. If you have any questions or comments regarding this matter, please feel free to discuss it with us at customerservice@hayabusafightwear.com. One of our representatives will be happy to assist you.
Sincerely,
Craig Clement
Co-President
Hayabusa Fightwear Inc.
We at Hayabusa have the utmost respect for culture and history and appreciate all of our customers worldwide. As such, we accept full responsibility for this design and are taking all complaints and comments very seriously.
The gi worn by GSP will not be brought to market. In addition, we will be very conscious of this specific design element when developing future communication materials and products.
Please accept our sincerest apology for any offence this has caused. If you have any questions or comments regarding this matter, please feel free to discuss it with us at customerservice@hayabusafightwear.com. One of our representatives will be happy to assist you.
Sincerely,
Craig Clement
Co-President
Hayabusa Fightwear Inc.