Anti-vaxxer and Nashville store owner Gigi Gaskins apologized after offering yellow Stars of David for sale in her store with the writing "Not vaccinated."
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In an Instagram post, Gaskins can be seen wearing the yellow symbol that resembles the badge Nazis forced Jews to wear, with the caption, "Patches are here!! They turned out great." She also detailed that each would cost 5 dollars and that the store was planning to order trucker caps. The message was apparently designed to draw comparisons between the experience of those who refuse the COVID-19 vaccine and that of persecuted Jews during the Holocaust and the years leading up to it.
Thousands took to social media to express their outrage. Many called for a boycott of the store and contacted its suppliers to ask them to stop working with the owners.
Comedian Sarah Silverman tweeted: "I'm trying so hard to say something wiser than fight me you c*nt come on Sarah you're better than this."
"I could not believe this could be for real. I like to think such stupidity, insensitivity and ignorance in America cannot be commonplace. It's real," CNN's Ana Narravo tweeted.
Actor W. Earl Brown also took to Twitter and wrote: "I am ashamed to know that I've given these people business in the past; I've sent people there. This is vile and repulsive. They trumpet that they're proud to "Stand Up Against Tyranny" Well, I am proud to say GO F*CK YOURSELF. I'll purchase my chapeaus elsewhere."
Following a storm of criticism, Gaskins removed the original post and tried to explain the rationale behind the yellow badge.
"People are so outraged by my post? But are you outraged with the tyranny the world is experiencing? If you don't understand what is happening, that is on you, not me," she wrote.
She later posted, "In NO WAY did I intend to trivialize the Star of David or disrespect what happened to millions of people. That is not who I am and what I stand for. My intent was not to exploit or make a profit. My hope was to share my genuine concern and fear, and to do all that I can to make sure that nothing like that ever happens again. I sincerely apologize for any insensitivity."
The apology didn't seem to have helped. Many gathered outside the store over the weekend in protest, carrying banners that said "No Nazis in Nashville." Suppliers also said they severed ties with the store.
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