Fashion guru Kenneth Cole is in hot water over a tweet Thursday from his personal account, where he apparently used the threat of military conflict in Syria to promote footwear.
Cole—no stranger to Twitter controversy—was immediately attacked over a comment widely seen as opportunistic and insensitive.
Cole has now issued the following statement: "For 30 years I have used my platform in provocative ways to encourage a healthy dialogue about important issues, including HIV/AIDS, war, and homelessness. I'm well aware of the risks that come with this approach, and if this encourages further awareness and discussion about critical issues then all-the-better."