‘Racially insensitive’ bobblehead created in Woodinville
Aug 10, 2016, 7:34 AM | Updated: 8:41 am
A local manufacturer out of Woodinville is under fire after the Boston Red Sox canceled its David Ortiz bobblehead night.
After seeing the bobblehead for the first time Tuesday afternoon, Red Sox team president Sam Kennedy called the figurine made by BDA, Inc. “racially insensitive.”
“My two immediate reactions were first, it was a really inaccurate portrayal of what he looks like,” Kennedy told The Associated Press. “My personal reaction was it was offensive and, to me, kind of appeared racially insensitive. I just had a bad reaction.”
To clarify the Ortiz bobblehead situation: There were 2 versions delivered. Both were deemed unacceptable. pic.twitter.com/BAPDORhzG0
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) August 9, 2016
BDA, Inc. released a statement to KIRO 7 regarding the bobbleheads.
“We value our decades-long relationship with the Red Sox organization and its decision to postpone Tuesday’s David Ortiz bobblehead giveaway,” the company wrote to KIRO 7. “We’re currently working closely with the Red Sox to ensure the team and its fans receive a quality product.”
The giveaway was supposed to be for the first 15,000 fans at Tuesday’s game against the Yankees. To make up for the inconvenience, any fan holding a ticket to the game will be able to get a new Ortiz bobblehead once they are reproduced.
The Red Sox sent out a statement and apology via their website and social media several hours before a 5-3 win over the Yankees.
“We’re going to redo them and get them right and apologize for the disappointment for anyone tonight,” Kennedy said.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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