Mar 13 • 02:00 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil Folha (PT)

Renner removes 'regret nothing' shirt worn by accused in gang rape case as he surrenders to police

Brazilian retailer Renner has removed a controversial shirt featuring the phrase 'regret nothing' after it was worn by Vitor Hugo Simonin, a suspect in a gang rape case, when he surrendered to authorities.

Renner, a leading Brazilian retail chain, took action to remove a shirt with the phrase 'regret nothing' from their stores following the public outrage that arose after Vitor Hugo Simonin, a 19-year-old accused of gang raping a 17-year-old girl in Rio de Janeiro, wore it during his surrender to the police. This incident occurred on April 4 and was highlighted by media coverage, prompting a quick response from the company to distance itself from the implications of the shirt's message.

The phrase 'regret nothing' is associated with Andrew Tate, a controversial figure known for his misogynistic views and facing serious legal allegations himself, including rape, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation of minors. Tate's influence on youth through his online platforms, often referred to as part of the 'manosphere', has raised significant concerns about the propagation of toxic masculinity and its effects on societal attitudes towards women. In light of Simonin's actions, the shirt's messaging has been scrutinized and condemned.

In an official statement, Renner expressed that it repudiates any form of violence or offensive behavior, reinforcing its commitment to uphold values that respect and protect individuals from such misconduct. The removal of the shirt exemplifies the retailer's attempts to navigate the complex intersection of consumer products and social responsibility, especially regarding themes of misogyny and violence, reflecting wider societal debates around these issues in Brazil and beyond.

📡 Similar Coverage