Spencer’s Criticized for ‘Grab America by the P*ssy’ Shirts

Spencer’s Gifts is in hot water for one of their T-shirts that many say advocates sexual assault. The store, which is best known for their novelty items and apparel, released a “Grab America by the P*ssy” shirt, playing off of President-elect Donald Trump’s “grab them by the p*ssy” comments that were leaked last year.

The shirt first caught the attention of social media users Jan. 14 when one user posted a photo of a collection of Trump shirts at a Portland mall Spencer’s. Though some of the shirts seem harmless, one shirt caused Spencer’s to face intense backlash, including many who vowed to never shop there again.

In case anyone still needed a reason to never walk into a @Spencers again, this is proudly being displayed in the front of their PDX store. pic.twitter.com/jalMio7i9P

— Mary Numair (@MaryNumair) January 15, 2017

The offensive shirt’s description, which is still listed on their online store, albeit sold out, reads:

“He’s done it again. The Donald grabbed America by the pu$$y this election, now you can too with this hilarious political tee! This laugh out loud Spencer’s exclusive shirt is perfect for reminding everyone that Trump’s in charge.”

The contents of the shirt refer to comments Trump made in 2005 in an interview with Billy Bush. While their microphones were live, Trump can be heard telling Bush about what his fame allows him to do to women. The exchange included, according to Vox:

“I’ve gotta use some Tic Tacs, just in case I start kissing her,” Trump says. “You know I’m automatically attracted to beautiful — I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet. Just kiss. I don’t even wait.”

“And when you’re a star they let you do it,” Trump says. “You can do anything.”

“Whatever you want,” says another voice, apparently Bush’s.

“Grab them by the pussy,” Trump says. “You can do anything.”

Trump later referred to these comments as “locker room banter” in both a prepared statement and during one of the presidential debates.

Other political merchandise sold by Spencer’s includes a “Trumpism” poster, which features some of the deplorable things Trump said throughout his campaign, Trump toilet paper and a #NotMyPresident shirt. Their website also features items about Hillary Clinton, President Barack Obama and Bernie Sanders. The products are listed as “Political Humor.”

According to The Oregonian, the “Grab America by the P*ssy” shirt was meant to be “satire,” similar to what Alec Baldwin does on “Saturday Night Live” when he plays Trump. “The shirt was never meant to promote any type of abuse or attack on any person,” Spencer’s Vice President and General Counsel Kevin Mahoney said. He continued, “The shirt originates with the comment made by the President-elect. The purpose of that shirt was to address that controversy and that news, and not in any way to condone that type of activity.”

The shirt has since been removed from the Portland mall where the photo was originally taken, without the permission from corporate headquarters. Spencer’s has not addressed the controversy on their social media.

Social Media Reacts to “Grab America by the P*ssy” Shirt

.@Spencers why are you selling things that advocate sexual assault? #grabyourwallet

— moderngirl (@mod_grl) January 17, 2017

This tee shouldn't have made it past the pitch room, @Spencers. Not a matter of being offended; it's elevating sex assault as patriotism. pic.twitter.com/0mtgkNgR2a

— John Gholson (@gholson) January 16, 2017

Hey @Spencers how about you don't? https://t.co/Vl3vOJY6VP

— Phoebe Tonkin (@1PhoebeJTonkin) January 16, 2017

Sexual assault is not patriotism, @Spencers. It's not a joke or a slogan. For too many, it's a lived experience of violation & violence. https://t.co/fn6m8yErqi

— Audrie & Daisy Film (@AudrieandDaisy) January 16, 2017

Apparently @Spencers is pro-sexual assault, which is a curious thing to be, really. But I guess if you can make a buck off of it. https://t.co/fpoN3H6f8Q

— Jessica Luther (@jessicawluther) January 16, 2017

Seriously @Spencers ?!?

Are you normalizing SEXUAL ASSAULT? https://t.co/0FNGCzfcat

— (((DuneMyThang™))) (@Kris_Sacrebleu) January 16, 2017

Oh yes, let's advertise sexual assault on clothing. Shame on @Spencers for valorizing rape culture. https://t.co/OVZ8myT0Zb

— Stephanie (@sgomez626) January 15, 2017

I don't shop at @Spencers. But a shirt that says "Grab America by the Pussy" is VERY dangerous. The fact that he's in office is DANGEROUS.

— Norchell (@Norchell706) January 18, 2017

Well. @Spencers has made sure I'll never set foot in their store EVER again. Sexual assualt is neither satirical, patriotic, or ever okay.

— Madeline Wilson (@unicornwritings) January 18, 2017

What are your thoughts on the “Grab America by the P*ssy” shirt? Do you think it should be removed from Spencer’s stores? Sound off in the comments section below!