Tiki Brand is probably used to being associated with pleasant things like barbecues (or cookouts) on a hot summer day, or just a fancy way to spruce up your lawn decoration. That’s probably why the brand, which is owned by Lamplight Farms Inc., swiftly denounced the use of its products by white supremacists this past weekend in Charlottesville, Va.
“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,” the statement read. “Our products are designed to enhance backyard gatherings and to help family and friends connect with each other at home in their yard.”
The company posted to Facebook on Saturday after hordes of white men swarmed the streets of Virginia, shouting things like “White power,” “White lives matter” and “You will not replace us” while protesting the removal of a Confederate statue. (Tell me again how this is about Southern heritage?)
One counterprotester at the hate-filled rally was left dead and several others were injured after a man plowed a car into the crowd. Another counterprotester, Deandre Harris, was also assaulted by a pack of white supremacists on Saturday afternoon, sustaining multiple injures.