Outerwear Brand Arc’teryx Issues Public Apology After Fireworks Controversy

Outdoor gear and snowsports outerwear company Arc’teryx is apologizing after hosting a fireworks show below the Himalayas that drew criticism for its possible environmental impacts.

The display held in Tibet was created in collaboration with Arc’teryx and the artist Cai Guo-Qiang, known for his gunpowder paintings, pyrotechnic shows, and overseeing the fireworks at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Meant to resemble a dragon and raise awareness of mountain culture, the multi-colored explosions across the foothills of the Himalayas saw backlash on Chinese social media, with users calling it a contradiction for a brand that touts its commitment to sustainability and the environment. 

Tap or click below to see a video of the stunt.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/R0fRIHlYWuE

Local authorities have begun investigating the incident.

“The Shigatse party committee and government take the matter seriously and have set up an investigation team to send to the site immediately to investigate,” the local communist party committee said on Chinese social media, CNN reported.

Arc’teryx said in a statement on Instagram that the show on the Tibetan Plateau was “out of line” with its values. 

“This event was in direct opposition to our commitment to outdoor spaces, who we are, and who we want to be for our people and our community,” Arc’Teryx said. “We are deeply disappointed that this happened and apologize, full stop.”

The brand said that it is addressing the controversial display with Cai and its Chinese team. In another statement on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, Arc’teryx added that it would participate in a third-party environmental assessment of the fireworks show.

Cai issued an apology, too, writing on Chinese social media, “My studio and I attach great importance to this and humbly accept all criticisms of (our) artistic creation on the snowy plateau with a modest heart and sincerely thank you for your concern and reminders.”