Online social media post draws ire
An online photo posted by a Santa Clarita Valley business this week has drawn the ire of thousands in the community and led to the cancellation of a local event.
Two photos posted by Active Valencia R/S and taken outside a Canyon Country Walmart store depict a man posing in front of two law enforcement vehicles. The unidentified man in the image is seen wearing a T-shirt with a white graphic that spells “PIGS,” a derogatory term targeted toward police officers.
The posts have since circulated and ignited a social media firestorm.
A Santa Clarita man up in arms over the matter took to his personal Facebook page to voice his concerns. As of noon Friday, his post reached 2,000 shares and had garnered attention from people from across the valley and some from as far as Ohio.
“It was a slap in the face because we supported them and they made childish gestures mocking law enforcement,” said Joe Anaya regarding the contents of the posts made by the business.
The backlash has also led to the cancellation of an Active company exhibition show at a Hart District School, officials said.
Friday’s planned show was scrapped by Rancho Pico Junior High principal Erum Jones, district officials confirmed.
“The Hart School district has the utmost respect for law enforcement,” said Public Information Officer Dave Caldwell. “We did not feel the Active Valencia’s appearance was in the best interest of students, their families and the community.”
The store, which sells skating and sport apparel, has since removed the posts and issued an online apology, according to a store manager.