Lululemon Founder Chip Wilson Controversy Over Diversity Remark

Lululemon founder's controversial remarks on diversity spark backlash. Company distances itself from Wilson's comments and emphasizes commitment to inclusivity.

Lululemon Athletica Inc. (LULU) founder Chip Wilson's recent comments on the brand's diversity approach have sparked controversy once again. In a recent interview with Forbes, Wilson expressed his belief that Lululemon is attempting to cater to everyone, but also emphasized the importance of being selective about the type of customers the brand wants to attract.

The athletic clothing company, which was established by Wilson in 1998, has made efforts to feature more inclusive campaigns in recent years, showcasing individuals of diverse races and body types. However, Wilson's criticism of these changes has stirred up controversy, with him describing the individuals featured in the new ads as 'unhealthy,' 'sickly,' and 'not inspirational.'

This is not the first time that Wilson has faced backlash for his comments. In 2013, he made controversial remarks about the suitability of Lululemon pants for certain women's bodies, leading to his resignation from the position of Chairman of the Board. Despite distancing himself from the company in 2015, Wilson still holds an 8% stake in Lululemon, making him the largest individual shareholder.

In a 2004 interview with Canada's National Post Business Magazine, Wilson revealed that he chose the brand name with three L's because the letter does not exist in Japanese phonetics, and he found it amusing to watch people attempt to pronounce it.

In response to Wilson's recent remarks, a Lululemon spokesman clarified that Wilson does not represent the views or beliefs of the company and has not been involved with the company since his resignation from the board in 2015. The spokesman emphasized that Lululemon is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment within the organization.

It is evident that Chip Wilson's comments have once again sparked controversy surrounding Lululemon's diversity approach, prompting the company to reiterate its commitment to inclusivity and diversity.