MENOMONEE FALLS -- The Milwaukee Business Journal is reporting a Milwaukee-area company is distancing itself from the use of its products in the demonstration by white supremacists, neo-Nazis and other hate groups in Charlottesville, Va.
Menomonee Falls-based TIKI Brand Products released a statement Saturday, Aug. 12, following protests and violence, which included the alleged murder of 32-year-old Heather Heyer in an automobile attack that injured 19 others, that occurred in Charlottesville and on the University of Virginia campus.
Reports indicate that on Friday night, “white nationalists gathered at the University of Virginia and marched holding torches throughout the campus.”
The statement released on Facebooksaid:“ TIKI Brand is not associated in any way with the events that took place in Charlottesville and are deeply saddened and disappointed. We do not support their message or the use of our products in this way. Our products are designed to enhance backyard gatherings and to help family and friends connect with each other at home in their yard.”
TIKI was founded in 1964 and currently part of Lamplight Farms Inc. in Menomonee Falls, which is part of the Georgia-based W.C. Bradley Co. family of companies.
The company's products are manufactured in the United States and China.
Responding to inquiries, company spokeswoman Marlaina Quintana said: "We have no further response."
In a statement Saturday, the National Hockey League team Detroit Red Wings similarly denounced the use of a logo displayed by members of a white nationalist group that calls itself the Detroit Right Wings, the New York Times reported. The group's logo bears a remarkable similarity to the winged-wheel logo used by the hockey team.
“The Detroit Red Wings vehemently disagree with and are not associated in any way with the event taking place today in Charlottesville, Va. The Red Wings believe that hockey is for everyone, and we celebrate the great diversity of our fan base and our nation. We are exploring every possible legal action as it pertains to the misuse of our logo in this disturbing demonstration.”
