Flare magazine has apologized for an article that promised to “decode Jian Ghomeshi’s courthouse style.”
The story set off a wave of anger on Twitter, with critics saying it was a superficial fashion piece about someone accused of serious crimes.
The Flare article analyzed Ghomeshi’s appearance Wednesday in a Toronto courtroom, where he was charged with four counts of sexual assault and one count of overcome resistance -- choking.
“His sombre exit appearance before the throng of cameras and reporters -- black suit, crisp white shirt and subtly patterned dark tie -- was in stark contrast to his signature behind-the-scenes rock-guy style,” the article notes.
The article also addressed hair and beard grooming.
It then quotes reaction from an image consultant and a criminal lawyer. The lawyer -- not connected to Ghomeshi’s defence team -- said he always advised clients not to wear black, because it’s “associated with the bad guy.”
On Friday, Flare tweeted an apology “if we offended readers.” It said the article was not about fashion, but rather about “how appearance affects impression.”
We apologize if we offended readers with the Jian Ghomeshi story. The article was not about fashion, but how appearance affects impression.
— FLARE Magazine (@FLAREfashion) November 28, 2014
Two-and-a-half hours later, Flare followed up with a full, unreserved apology in a series of five more tweets.
1/4 We made a mistake today with our story on Jian Ghomeshi.
— FLARE Magazine (@FLAREfashion) November 28, 2014
2/4 It was presented in a way that seemed to minimize the seriousness of the allegations and the impact he has had on his alleged victims.
— FLARE Magazine (@FLAREfashion) November 28, 2014
3/5 We haven’t taken down the story because we think it sheds light on a legitimate topic
— FLARE Magazine (@FLAREfashion) November 28, 2014
4/5 How defendants use their appearance as part of their legal and PR strategy.
— FLARE Magazine (@FLAREfashion) November 28, 2014
5/5 People were right to be offended by the tone of our headline. We have changed it, and we apologize.
— FLARE Magazine (@FLAREfashion) November 28, 2014