Los Angeles Kings apologize after issuing Armenian scarves made in Turkey
The Los Angeles Kings recently hosted an Armenian Night event at their game against the Utah Hockey Club, but what was intended to be a celebration turned into a public relations disaster. The Los Angeles area is home to the largest Armenian community outside of Armenia, so the team wanted to pay homage to Armenians from the area by giving out Armenian scarves to fans in attendance.
However, the scarves that were distributed at the game were made in Turkey, which sparked controversy due to the historic tensions between Armenia and Turkey. The neighboring countries have a long-standing conflict stemming from the deaths of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians in massacres, deportations, and forced marches that began in 1915 in Ottoman Turkey. While historians widely view these events as genocide, Turkey rejects this notion.
After facing criticism for the oversight, the Los Angeles Kings issued a formal apology to the Armenian community and all those affected by the incident. The team expressed regret for the unintentional impact on what should have been a joyous celebration and emphasized that they were unaware of the production origin of the scarves.
In response to the backlash, the Kings are offering full refunds or exchanges to anyone who purchased the Turkish-made Armenian scarf at the TEAM LA store. The team is taking steps to rectify the situation and address the concerns raised by fans and the community.
It is important for organizations to be mindful of cultural sensitivities and historical contexts when planning events and promotions. In this case, the Los Angeles Kings learned a valuable lesson about the importance of due diligence and understanding the implications of their actions on diverse communities.
Moving forward, the Kings are committed to fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment for all fans, regardless of their background. By acknowledging their mistake and taking proactive steps to make amends, the team is striving to rebuild trust and strengthen their relationships with the Armenian community and beyond.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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