Chip Wilson, the founder of Lululemon, a Vancouver-based apparel company known for its yoga wear, has come under fire for criticizing the company’s diversity policies.
In a recent interview with America’s Forbes magazine, Wilson described Lululemon’s models of various body types as “unhealthy,” “sick,” and “uninspiring,” and said he wanted Lululemon to come to the company. This has sparked criticism on social media, including calls for a boycott of Lululemon products. Wilson has been criticized in the past for making controversial comments that made fun of women’s body shapes and the Japanese pronunciation of the “L” sound.
Lululemon issued a statement saying Wilson’s comments were not directed at the company or reflect its policies. Lululemon emphasized that it strives to create an inclusive and diverse environment and said Wilson has not been involved with the company since leaving the company’s board in 2015.
Lululemon is the world’s seventh-largest apparel maker, and Mr. Wilson is the largest individual shareholder with an 8% stake, according to Forbes.