New Year's decorations canceled after being compared to a cross
New Year's decorations at a shopping mall in Rize were intervened following public backlash.
12punto
A shopping mall located in the city center of Rize decorated its building with lights for the New Year.
REACTION TO DECORATIONS
The gift-package-shaped decoration on the exterior of the mall was compared to a cross in some social media posts. In other posts, the rainbow-colored umbrellas used in the interior decorations of the mall were also criticized with claims that they represented LGBT.
"SMEAR CAMPAIGN"
Following the reactions, a statement was issued by the mall. Stating that they acted with the idea that shopping malls are places for gift-giving, the statement said, "The lighting project, designed with ribbon and bow figures, has not yet been completed. We regret to see that the images currently being shared do not reflect the truth and are being presented in a completely intentional manner, manipulated from different angles as part of a smear campaign."
"LEGAL PROCESS WILL BE INITIATED"
While the statement indicated that a legal process would be initiated regarding the reactions, it included the following: "While emphasizing that we are determined to take the necessary steps to properly protect the reputation of our organization, we would like to state that we will initiate all kinds of legal processes against those who cause our name to be associated with false news and against such actions. The sensitivity of the people of Rize is our priority. However, we feel the necessity to make this statement to resolve such misunderstandings and to ensure access to accurate information."
It was stated that the decoration process was not completed and that it would be arranged in the form of two ribbons once finished.