The move, which happened Wednesday, was spurred by protest from the Washington-based Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) and its Voice of the First Amendment Task Force.
The shirts "could at least… inflame the passions of those who either don't like, or don't understand, the news media. At worst, they openly encourage violence targeting journalists," Dan Shelley, executive direct at RTDNA, said in a November 29 letter.
"Rope. Tree. Journalist. SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED." T-shirt has been removed from @Walmart's website at RTDNA's urging. https://t.co/lA8FGCUnHt pic.twitter.com/qnDiVGIwTN
— RTDNA (@RTDNA) November 30, 2017
"Nearly three dozen journalists have been physically assaulted so far this year across the country merely for performing their constitutionally guaranteed duty to seek and report the truth," Shelley wrote.
"As a fierce proponent of the First Amendment that is politically non-partisan, we recognize Walmart's right to sell the tee-shirts, and the right of the consumers to purchase and wear them. However, just because Walmart has the right to sell the shirts, that doesn't mean it is the right thing to do," he added.
Amen! Why would Walmart or any other retailer sell a shirt with these words about ANY profession???
— Steve Beverly (@MrTVClassics) November 30, 2017
Walmart responded to Shelley's letter within five hours, stating that the shirt would be removed.
"We have forwarded this to the appropriate team to remove it. Walmart.com does appreciate feedback like this so that offensive material does not appear on our website," the Walmart Executive Escalations Department said.
If you do a search for those shirts online you get a sponsored ad for one. So the search engine is also making money on them.
— Julie Manganis (@SNJulieManganis) November 30, 2017
