Abercrombie & Fitch Offers To Pay "The Situation" Not To Wear Its Clothes!

On Tuesday, Abercrombie & Fitch ANF said that it would pay Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino along with his Jersey Shore castmates if he would stop wearing their brand. ABC News snarkily points out that this is the same company who markets thong underwear to pre-teen girls and padded bikini tops to 7-year-olds. Despite Abercrombie's reputation for embracing controversy, the company is now distressed about "The Situation's" choice of clothing. In a statement titled "A Win-Win Situation," the company said it has "deep concern" over the connection between the MTV reality star and the A&F brand. They offered a "substantial payment" to Sorrentino "to wear an alternate brand." In recent Jersey Shore episodes, "The Situation" has been seen parading down the streets of Florence, Italy in neon green Abercrombie sweatpants and also showing off his A&F underwear. "We understand that the show is for entertainment purposes, but believe this association is contrary to the aspirational nature of our brand, and may be distressing to many of our fans." This certainly is an unusual development, as most brands would be thrilled with the free publicity which comes with a star wearing their clothing. "Most people would give their right arm to get celebrities to wear their product on air and on the street," said Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst for the market research firm The NPD Group. "It's rare for a brand to go the other way. Most don't have the nerve to be able to ask that question. It will only fuel the fire, it will only entice the celebrity." Obviously, this is a slap in the face to both Sorrentino and his Jersey Shore castmates, but it is somewhat understandable. Would you want "The Situation" sporting your threads? He is not exactly the image that A&F is trying to cultivate. Although Sorrentino is certainly a jackass of the highest order, the A&F brand is just as asinine. At least "The Situation" has the opportunity to get paid, and he is certainly good at that. In this particular "Situation" hopefully Sorrentino comes out on top.