Georges St-Pierre and his chief sponsor Hayabusa have both apologized for the gi worn by the welterweight champion during his UFC 158 walkout because it featured the Japanese “Rising Sun” symbol, which was taken as offensive by some Koreans.
In particular, UFC featherweight contender Chan Sung Jung, who’s better known as “The Korean Zombie,” said he was shocked when he saw St-Pierre, who successfully defended his belt against Nick Diaz on March 16 at Montreal’s Bell Centre, wearing the Hayabusa-sponsored gi with the symbol that many Koreans find offensive and disrespectful.
Jung posted a message to St-Pierre on his Facebook page, which said the flag is “a symbol of war crimes” for Asians.
Jung also recognized that St-Pierre, who customarily walks out to his fights wearing a headband and gi, is influenced by Japanese martial arts and regularly wears such attire. But while he conceded that St-Pierre’s typical headband that features the just the red circle “designed after the Japanese flag” is “understandable,” he said the huge “Rising Sun” symbol on the gi he wore that night “means something else.”
On Monday, the Canadian-based combat equipment and apparel company Hayabusa posted a full statement through social media apologizing for the design and saying it will not be manufactured for sales.
@mmahotstuff @kidnate We’ve made an apology on our Facebook regarding the design facebook.com/HayabusaMMA/po…
— Hayabusa(@HAYABUSA_MMA) March 25, 2013
The company’s full statement:
“Since Georges St-Pierre wore our walkout gi at UFC 158 we have received attention surrounding the negative connotation of the rising sun graphic used. The last thing we want is to offend or alienate anyone with the choice of design on our products.
We at Hayabusa have the utmost respect for culture and history and appreciate all of our customers worldwide. As such, we accept full responsibility for this design and are taking all complaints and comments very seriously.
The gi worn by GSP will not be brought to market. In addition, we will be very conscious of this specific design element when developing future communication materials and products.
Please accept our sincerest apology for any offence this has caused. If you have any questions or comments regarding this matter, please feel free to discuss it with us at customerservice@hayabusafightwear.com. One of our representatives will be happy to assist you.
Sincerely,
Craig Clement
Co-President
Hayabusa Fightwear Inc.”
St-Pierre also offered a personal apology on his Facebook page:
“I’d like to also personally apologize to anyone who was offended by this. I am very sorry, that was never my intention.”
