In a troubling development for the fashion retailer LulaRoe, known for its notoriously soft yet fragile leggings, the company finds itself embroiled in controversy once again. This time, however, the issue arises not from their treatment of independent sellers or legal disputes, but from the actions of a top vendor, Derek “Dave” Johnson, who publicly ridiculed individuals with disabilities in a video.
In the offensive footage, Johnson is seen mocking people with Down Syndrome, stating, “Hello, my name is Derek, and I’m special,” while making inappropriate faces during a live sale event. The backlash was immediate and severe, prompting Johnson to quickly release a video purportedly apologizing for his behavior alongside his partner, Lisa, and her sister, who has Down Syndrome. In this half-hearted apology, he claimed that his relationship with Lisa, whose sister has the condition, should warrant forgiveness, suggesting that knowing someone with a disability somehow justifies his mockery.
This rationale did not sit well with many, including advocates for the disabled community. The National Down Syndrome Association (NDSA) responded forcefully to Johnson’s actions, stating that while they appreciated his apology, they could no longer continue their partnership with LulaRoe due to the hurtful nature of his comments. Their public statement emphasized their commitment to promoting acceptance and inclusion for people with Down Syndrome.
Remarkably, instead of severing ties with Johnson, LulaRoe’s founders, Mark and DeeAnn Stidham, expressed support for him, labeling his apology as “sincere” and assuring followers that such behavior would not occur again. This stance has sparked outrage among many who believe that the company should prioritize ethics over profits. Critics argue that if this situation were to unfold in most workplaces, immediate termination would be the expected course of action, especially given Johnson’s previous use of homophobic slurs.
Moreover, the Stidhams’ decision to back Johnson raised eyebrows because they have a personal connection to the cause; their granddaughter has Down Syndrome, and they had previously designed a dress in her honor, pledging a portion of the sales to the NDSA. However, their willingness to overlook Johnson’s behavior in favor of maintaining revenue streams reflects a troubling prioritization of profit over integrity.
The public outcry has led to a Change.org petition demanding the termination of Johnson’s contract with LulaRoe. Yet, the Stidhams remain resolute in their support for him, highlighting a disturbing trend where financial interests take precedence over moral responsibility.
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In summary, LulaRoe’s choice to stand by a vendor who publicly mocked individuals with disabilities has sparked significant backlash, particularly given the personal connections some of its founders have to the disability community. Advocates are urging the company to reconsider its stance and prioritize ethical responsibility over financial gain.