Amazon Defends Sale of Anti-Cop Merchandise

Tech giant sells products featuring ‘Blue Lives Murder’ slogan

Jack McEvoy • June 9, 2021 4:55 am

Amazon has banned T-shirts mocking Vice President Kamala Harris and books critical of transgender ideology, but allows the sale of memorabilia proclaiming “Blue Lives Murder.”

Through Amazon, clothing makers are selling T-shirts, hats, bandannas, and masks that feature the anti-police slogan. Today for just $15.99 users can buy a “Blue Lives Murder” adjustable face mask and—for only $1 more—a baseball cap bearing the same slogan. Amazon defended the products, saying it strives to provide its customers “with the widest possible selection” of goods.

“We do not endorse the content of any particular book, video, or product,” an Amazon spokeswoman said.

Gerald Neill Jr., president of the Fraternal Order of Police DC Lodge #1, accused the tech giant of failing to live up to its standards by allowing the “hate items” to remain on the site. Amazon has cracked down on other political products, including a “Joe and the Hoe” T-shirt, for violating its “selling guidelines.” The site also banned Ryan T. Anderson’s book When Harry Became Sally because, the platform said, it “frame[d] LGBTQ+ identity as a mental illness.” The union chief said the “Blue Lives Murder” merchandise is offensive and dangerous.

“Amazon has a role in society as an industry leader to set a high standard, and they’re not doing that,” Neill said. “I think Amazon is not being evenhanded.”

Some merchandise bearing the slogan was removed from the website following inquiries from the Washington Free Beacon. T-shirt maker Morgan Schai removed a T-shirt featuring a billy-club wielding officer above the slogan. The company did not respond to requests for comment about the T-shirt itself or the decision to remove it. A spokesman for Nevoli, another clothing maker, told the Free Beacon that a hat bearing the phrase will be removed from the website soon.

Other anti-police products still remain on the website. Amazon, which did not respond to follow-ups about the removal of several items, said it would not take action against such merchandise. A spokeswoman said customers can express their dissatisfaction in reviews and comment areas.

“We understand that some customers may find some products objectionable, and we provide customers with a variety of ways to engage and express their views, including through product reviews,” the company said in a statement.

Neill accused Amazon of profiting from growing anti-police sentiment, as well as cashing in on the dozens of “defund the police” items available from the e-commerce giant.

“I know they’re making money, but it’s about what’s good for America. None of that’s good for any part of America—none of it,” Neill said. “Look who owns these companies. Are they putting any money back in the community? No. The police are in the community every day, and there are people in our toughest neighborhoods who rely on the police to do their job.”