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Nike apologises over Samoan tattoo blunder

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By Steven Raeburn, N/A

August 14, 2013 | 2 min read

The Nike brand has apologised and ceased production of a line of ladies’ running clothes after realising it’s Samoan tattoo design was reserved within the culture for men only.

The Nike Pro Tattoo Tech tight

Nike said its Pro Tattoo Tech tight leggings were not available in the New Zealand market, where a large Samoan community exists. The tattoo design, known as a Pe'a, is culturally worn only be men.

Labour MP Su'a William Sio said Nike had not thought about the cultural significance of the tattoo,

"Before you launch into something like this, there's generally a consultation with those whose pattern who have ownership of this pattern."

"I don't think Nike has taken the time to do that."

In a statement, Nike said: "The Nike tattoo tech collection was inspired by tattoo graphics."

It added: "We apologize to anyone who views this design as insensitive to any specific culture. No offence was intended."

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