The National Down Syndrome Society has severed ties with the retailer after the company refused to fire a seller who mocked people with mental disabilities in a video.
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The multilevel marketing leggings company LuLaRoe is under fire once again, this time for standing by a top seller who mocked people with disabilities in a live video, which led the National Down Syndrome Society to sever ties with the brand.
LuLaRoe
The drama began with a video from Bobby Budenbender, a man from Arizona who sells LuLaRoe with his wife, Taya.
The Budenbenders have built a strong online business, with over 20,000 people in just their "VIP" group alone.
They are rumored to be among the top 100 sellers in the entire company, according to Facebook groups for former LuLaRoe consultants.
Taya even has a photo on her Facebook page of herself with the company's founder, DeAnne Stidham.
Last week, Bobby Budenbender did a live LuLaRoe sale, a common way the company's online retailers sell their products.
In the video, he makes fun of himself by mocking a person with mental disabilities, in a way many people say seems to specifically mock people with Down syndrome.
YouTube
"Hi my name is Robert and I'm special," he said.
The video has since been deleted, but has been reuploaded to YouTube.
People immediately began to call for the couple to apologize, saying it was clear Bobby was mocking those specifically with Down syndrome in the video.
YouTube
After the outrage went viral, the couple released an apology video, which they uploaded but then deleted, featuring Taya's sister, who has Down syndrome.
In the video, Robert says his video was a "mistake" that was taken "out of context" but was also not "who I am" and wasn't "very nice."
He also addressed the members of his private LuLaRoe Facebook page on Friday, saying he made an "error in judgement."
"I have true respect for all people and view them with equality," he said. "I know I am flawed at times, and I have been humbled to take inventory on how I can represent myself online, as the man I really am inside."
The connection to Down syndrome was especially significant because LuLaRoe's founders have a personal connection to the disorder. After their granddaughter, Scarlett, was born with it, LuLaRoe designed a dress in her honor and pledged $1 of each sale to the National Down Syndrome Society.
LuLaRoe
The company used models with Down syndrome in ads for the dress, and was even set to be honored at the NDSS annual gala in March for its contributions to the cause.
So, many were shocked on Friday when Deanne and her husband Mark announced they were standing by the Budenbenders because they believed their apology was "sincere."
Many people found LuLaRoe's defense of the couple unacceptable, including the NDSS. The group announced on Friday it was ending its relationship with LuLaRoe after the company refused to terminate the contract of the Budenbenders.
LuLaRoe's decision to choose one retailer over its partnership with NDSS has horrified many retailers and customers.
Some retailers and customers who have personal connections to Down syndrome have said the decision has left them heartbroken. One woman, Nicole Palladino-Drake, wrote on Facebook that she runs her LuLaRoe business with her sister and was "appalled" by the video.
"This is heartbreaking that one person could cause this much damage," she wrote. "Sadly LuLaRoe has hurt us many other ways in the past year so this is just the icing on the cake for us and her business."
In a statement to BuzzFeed News, the Stidhams reiterated their commitment to "promoting Down syndrome education and outreach."
"This is an issue that is very personal, near and dear to our hearts, and important to our family and the entire LuLaRoe community," they said.
Despite their apology, in a message to her private LuLaRoe group, which was shared with BuzzFeed News, Taya mocked the controversy. "Haters gonna hate," she said.
"We embrace our imperfections, man boobs and all," she said.
She encouraged those in her corner to check back on Monday "to party."
Budenbender concluded with a hashtag: "#standwithtayaandbobby."
Many of their customers have also posted to the couple's private Facebook group, pledging support.
"I don't know what you said nor do I care," said one person. "You sincerely apologized, hold your head up and keep doing what you do, I've watched y'all a few times you don't seem like you meant to say anything bad so just move on with your life and let the haters hate and let God lead you."
The couple also isn't letting the controversy affect their business, and continues to sell clothes on their page.
The Budenbenders have not returned a request for comment.
UPDATE: LuLaRoe CEO Mark Stidham has announced the Budenbenders have been suspended for 30 days.
In a vlog, Stidham said he chose to forgive Robert because he seemed sorry, not because he is a top seller.
"We do not condone, nor do we accept, nor do we stand behind the behavior that Bobby exhibited," he said. "His behavior was unacceptable, its indefensible, but for me, it's not unforgivable."
As for the NDSS, Stidham said LuLaRoe now believes their mission is too narrow for a partnership to make sense.
"Their mission is very narrowly focused on individuals with Down syndrome," he said. "As a company, our focus is on everybody."
He said this was meant to "serve the greater good."
- Stephanie McNealBuzzFeed News Reporter
Stephanie McNeal is a senior culture reporter for BuzzFeed News and is based in New York.
Contact Stephanie McNeal at stephanie.mcneal@buzzfeed.com.
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As an expert in communication, crisis management, and corporate responsibility, I want to shed light on the complexities surrounding the LuLaRoe controversy described in the article. My expertise in public relations and ethical decision-making equips me to analyze the various elements at play and provide insights into the potential consequences for the company.
Firstly, it's crucial to note that the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) severed ties with LuLaRoe due to a video posted by one of its top sellers, Bobby Budenbender, wherein he mocked people with mental disabilities, specifically Down syndrome. LuLaRoe, a multilevel marketing leggings company, faced public outrage as the video went viral, leading to calls for an apology.
The article details the Budenbenders' significant presence in LuLaRoe's business, with a reported 20,000 people in their "VIP" group. This underscores their influence within the company and the potential impact of their actions on its reputation.
What's noteworthy is the personal connection LuLaRoe's founders, DeAnne and Mark Stidham, have to Down syndrome. Their granddaughter, Scarlett, was born with Down syndrome, leading the company to design a dress in her honor and pledge $1 of each sale to the NDSS. The company's prior commitment to promoting Down syndrome education and outreach is a crucial aspect that adds a layer of complexity to the situation.
Despite the controversy, LuLaRoe chose to stand by the Budenbenders, asserting that their apology was sincere. This decision drew criticism, particularly from the NDSS, prompting the organization to terminate its relationship with LuLaRoe. Many customers and retailers expressed disappointment, viewing the company's choice as prioritizing a top seller over ethical principles.
The controversy also highlights the power of social media, as evidenced by the rapid spread of the video and subsequent public outcry. The company's initial response and subsequent actions, including the deletion of apology videos and Taya's apparent mockery of the situation, further fueled the controversy.
As the situation unfolded, LuLaRoe CEO Mark Stidham announced the suspension of the Budenbenders for 30 days. Stidham expressed forgiveness for Bobby's actions but made it clear that the behavior was unacceptable and indefensible.
In conclusion, the LuLaRoe controversy serves as a case study in the intersection of business, ethics, and personal values. It showcases the delicate balance companies must navigate in managing crises, maintaining brand integrity, and making decisions that align with their stated values. The fallout from such incidents can have lasting effects on a company's reputation, customer loyalty, and partnerships with charitable organizations.
