American sports brand Vans removed entries that supported Hong Kong's anti-government protests from its annual sneaker design contest.
According to media reports, a design from a Canada-based user named Naomiso was suddenly eliminated from the competition even though the public voted for it in large numbers.
"We have never taken a political position and therefore review designs to ensure they are in line with our company's long-held values of respect and tolerance, as well as with our clearly communicated guidelines for this competition," Vans said in a Facebook statement on Saturday.
"Based on the global competition guidelines, Vans can confirm that a small number of artistic submissions have been removed. This decision was taken to uphold the purpose of Custom Culture."
The shoemaker's decision has met with outrage on social media, with many users uploading footage of people transhing their Vans sneakers or even setting them on fire.
In fact, many sellers in Hong Kong even pulled Vans products from their shelves to mark their protest.
Naomiso's design featured a yellow umbrella, a red bauhinia and people wearing helmets and masks.
Britain's King Charles will return to public duties next week for the first time since being diagnosed with cancer as he makes good progress following treatment and a period of recuperation, Buckingham Palace said on Friday.
India's Supreme Court has declined to order any change to the vote-counting process, rejecting petitions seeking a return to the ballot system or to tally all paper slips generated as proof of voting for votes recorded by electronic machines.
At least 10 people died and 11 were injured in the early hours of Friday morning in a major fire at a guesthouse in Brazil's southern city of Porto Alegre.
A baby, who was delivered from her dying mother's womb in a Gaza hospital following an Israeli airstrike, has died after just a few days of life, the doctor who was caring for her said on Friday.
India began voting on Friday in the second phase of the world's biggest election, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks a record-equalling third straight term.
The northern Gaza Strip is still heading toward a famine, the deputy UN food chief said on Thursday, appealing for a greater volume and diversity of aid to be allowed into the enclave and for Israel to allow direct access from its Ashdod port through Erez crossing.
New York's highest court has overturned the 2020 conviction of former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, in the case that helped trigger the #MeToo movement.
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Welcome to Pinoy Bulletin, your go-to source for staying informed about important announcements, exciting group activities, community events, and job opportunities!
Welcome to Pinoy Bulletin, your go-to source for staying informed about important announcements, exciting group activities, community events, and job opportunities!