oh.

Toms Shoes Founder Might Have Different Political Views Than Many People Wearing His Shoes [Updated]

Vogue-approved Blake Mycoskie, who came up with the idea to donate a pair of shoes to a needy child for every one sold, is apparently a Focus on the Family supporter. That’s an affiliation that’s sure to irk many of the hipster types who have proudly sported the brand in recent years as a sort of crunchy alternative to Chuck Taylors.

Update: A company spokesperson e-mails with a statement from Mycoskie dialing back his connection with the organization, which has come under fire for anti-gay stances.

Had I known the full extent of Focus on the Family’s beliefs, I would not have accepted the invitation to speak at their event. … So there is no misunderstanding created by this mistake, let me clearly state that both TOMS, and I as the founder, are passionate believers in equal human and civil rights for all.

[via Sarah Lang/Twitter]

[via Sarah Lang/Twitter]

Toms Shoes Founder Might Have Different Political Views Than Many People Wearing His Shoes [Updated]