Don't Fall Into The GAP

Filed under: Sad Sad

A new investigative report by the U.K.'s The Observer reveals that children are still being used to make clothes for the GAP.

Click here to read the heartbreaking tale of a group of kids in New Delhi that were sold in to slavery by their families and ended up in an underage sweatshop for the retail giant.

Posted: Oct 29, 2007 at 9:47 am / Email this »

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170 comments to “Don't Fall Into The GAP”

More comments: [1] 2 »

i hate spics (they stink) says – reply to this

1

The Gap is overrated and too expensive anyway. Their clothes are no better than Old Navy's, but at least Old Navy don't rip you off!!
i hate spics (they stink) says – reply to this

2

The Gap is overrated and too expensive anyway. Their clothes are no better than Old Navy's, but at least Old Navy don't rip you off!!
Kids are slaves says – reply to this

3

This is why we can't make our own clothes in America, We rely on slave child labor ! YEAH WAL MART !
fuck says – reply to this

4

me fuck
Alley says – reply to this

5

Bono will not be pleased.
v says – reply to this

6

first bitches
Me myself and I says – reply to this

7

GAP IS EVIL!!!
Heather says – reply to this

8

???
Jackie_LDN says – reply to this

9

Shame on all those rich celebrities who make big $$$ by appearing in Gap advertisements. Child labor is VILE and we should do everything we can to stop it happening.

Kudos to Perez for highlighting this story not only are you Queen Bitch but you have a social conscience too. Love you Perez!!!!
fuck says – reply to this

10

me fuck ! chine sad sad sucky sucky
rich89 says – reply to this

11

first!
Basi says – reply to this

12

This is horrifying. I'm sure the Gap would not knowingly employ child labor. My heart breaks for these kids. It's so sad. thank you Perez for featuring something so serious.
Aaron says – reply to this

13

I just quit Bannana Repubic! woot woot!
Potato says – reply to this

14

FIRST!
Becca says – reply to this

15

First! Gap sucks. boycott!
first? says – reply to this

16

first
c says – reply to this

17

first?
v says – reply to this

18

whoa, this time first????
kellie says – reply to this

19

why is anyone surprised at this?????
vanessa says – reply to this

20

Old fucking news. Why are you doing this perez? showing only gap?? or what? do you think this fuckers are the only ones who do this?
HINT: WALMART

I'm really hoping this will stop any time soon…
Troll Academy says – reply to this

21

to: i hate spics (they stink)

, your name is getting old, you are a failed troll.
yourmom says – reply to this

22

That would mean so are Banana Republic and Old Navy , they are all under one ownership. Not really believing this story, and shame on you Perez if you have not investigated this before you put it out on your site.
Zuk@@ says – reply to this

23

So Sad…. We must stop this! I will not but anything from GAP!!!! NEVER EVER! I WILL NOT SUPORT THIS! WE MUST DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!!
Sinead says – reply to this

24

all american clothes are made by slaves… you never stopped slavery so don't act so shocked..
turkey says – reply to this

25

THEY ARE OVERRATED AND OVERPRICED. I AGREE WITH THHE OTHERS, YOU GET THE SAME THING AT OLD NAVY FOR ABOUT 50-75 % CHEAPER. GAP HAS ILL FITTED CLOTHES. WE AS AMERICANS NEED TO GET THE JOBS BACK INTO AMERICA.
yourmom says – reply to this

26

[re=809200]Re: i hate spics (they stink) Old Navy and GAP are owned by the same company along with Banana Republic
SHUTUPSINEAD says – reply to this

27

SHUT SINEAD. YOU ARE IGNORANT, GO BACK TO AFRICA IF YOU WANT TO BE TREATED FAIR-LOL, STUPID ASS
gap must die says – reply to this

28

gap is abusing children. omg. thats cruel. thank gosh i dont shop there anymore.
Communism was better says – reply to this

29

We need Americans making American clothes ! Fuck Da Corporations and their Bottom lines !
vivvianelee says – reply to this

30

Now the children will be fired, and instead forced into child prostitution.make . I bet if they are returned to their families, their families will just sell the children again.There is no correct answer. Just,Make sure they are not working more the 6 hours a day.
Anna Wintour says – reply to this

31

Darlings, I buy CLOTHES not RAGS!
you know it says – reply to this

32

the GAP fuckin sux but I guess that's how they roll
Laurie Lu says – reply to this

33

B-O-Y-C-O-T-T the GAP!

This is disgusting!
my says – reply to this

34

Re: i hate spics (they stink) –
the gap, old navy, banana republic, and piper lime are all owned by gap, inc.
Dolo says – reply to this

35

MIND THE GAP! ….as they say in England! How true is that?
elclang says – reply to this

36

it's pretty clear from reading the article that Gap has made efforts in the past to avoid using child labor to make their clothes, and that the reason this is happening now is that a subcontractor (not the Gap) hired these kids without Gap knowing about it. it also seems that they're trying to rectify the situation. it is certainly horrible that the kids are working at all, much less in the conditions discribed, but a boycott on Gap would neither be fair nor helpful. There's a difference between knowingly using companies that use child/slave labor to make clothing, and hiring subcontractors who hire and abuse children without Gap knowing about it. sadly, people don't like to read, so the story you linked is only going to read by a few. the rest will blindly jump on the "Gap is evil" bandwagon.
beckey says – reply to this

37

so not surprised they let 2 laptops be stolen with my son ss#and info when he applied for a job there ever heard of low jack???????im boycotting them my son is only 17 like he needs to worry about identity theft gap and old navy are the same!!!!
same company says – reply to this

38

Re: i hate spics (they stink) –

old navy, banana republic, piper lime and the gap are all owned by gap, inc
username says – reply to this

39

Why can't they make some of that shit over here? These coporations are disgustingly greedy…they are using slave labor to make these cloths…cheap fabric…altogether it probably cost them $2 to make one of these fucking shirts/whatever…but then they bring it back here to DUMB ASS AMERICANS…that pay $40 for it.
WAKE THE FUCK UP!. Just because some celebrity whore is hawking doesn't mean you have to buy it…KIDS ARE SUFFERING all over the world…just so some Americans can feel COOL or HOT.
Robyn says – reply to this

40

So much for their we want to help people with the 'Red' program.
Pass the Curry you fucking DOT HEADS! says – reply to this

41

This is great news! Now maybe the prices will come down since these little dot-heads are making the colthes and not being paid, I hope the Gap passes on those savings to us the consumer…..maybe they can send some of those kids here in England and we can teach them how to put their corn-holes to better use!!!
wetcnt says – reply to this

42

I say more child labor! I want cheaper prices, and those foreign kids aren't really human anyway.
Casey says – reply to this

43

Wow, this is disturbing. My 2 year old has tons of gap clothing and it makes me sad to think they may have been made by children. I hope this issue is resolved and those children receive all the things that were promised in the article.

And FYI to the people posting about Old Navy, they are owned by the same company and it's cheap ugly shit anyhow.
ILovePerez says – reply to this

44

Thanks Perez for highlighting this issue and making it known to the Western audiebce. As someone mentioned, the issueis a lot more deep rooted. Depriving the children of jobs means just more hardship for them and their families.

The real issue stems from the tyrannical slave owners who make this okay and that's an issue within the sub continent.
The Hungry Gourmet says – reply to this

45

there is only one way to fight child labor. Fortunately, by shopping for products that were produced within 100 miles of your home you also boost failing mom and pop businesses, local farmers, and other local producers that are being forced into failure by these huge MNC's who care nothing for the human being, and only for the dollar of profit. Join me in saying that you will only purchase products that have been produced within 100 miles of your home. Let's get our fucked up world back on track!!!
Gia Jolie says – reply to this

46

No wonder the clothes always look cheap! GAP sucks!
Informed consumption says – reply to this

47

Rock on Perez, definitely keep giving us nuggets of truly important things with our gossip and music. People need to educate themselves about the products they buy and where/by whom/under what conditions they are made. Gap and companies like it probably didn't know about this sweatshop (and the others like it) because they don't ask and the contractors don't tell. So it's up to independent agencies and consumers!
Old navy owned by The Gap says – reply to this

48

Re: i hate spics (they stink) – Old Navy is owned by The Gap. Thus you would still be getting child slave labor clothes if you bought from old bavy while also keeping The Gap afloat with your money
Pissed_Off_Bitch says – reply to this

49

Re: Pass the Curry you fucking DOT HEADS! –

Fuck you ignorant bastard, making comments like this show how stupid u r - u wouldnt be wearing half these clothes if it wasnt for these "dot-heads". I rarely read these forums as its always full of bullshit yet all you people make racist comments. In that case why do 99% of u adopt black culture? Eat curries? Watch martial arts movies? Take up salsa dancing? U want to take parts of different cultures then piss all over it - IGNORANT!
Gabriella says – reply to this

50

Re: Pass the Curry you fucking DOT HEADS! –

What is wrong with you?
Gabriella says – reply to this

51

Such a heartbreaking story!
wake up says – reply to this

52

Re: vanessa – actually vanessa, Wlamart gets it stuff from China where it is prisoner slave labor. Still slave labor but they are adults that have been put into Chinese jails and not children. Walmart sucks as well as the Gap though in a different way
sarah says – reply to this

53

Well, I'm never shopping there again.
I don't understand why the clothes can't just be produced at home anyways. That company is rich enough to pay local employees minimum wage to produce these garments.
HEYYALL says – reply to this

54

Atleast these children have a job. Can you imagine how much worse their lives would be without GAP employment? They would likey starve to death or be sold into the sex trade. Suddenly, making sweatshirts all day doesn't sound like a bad gig.

Atleast these children have a job. Can you imagine how much worse their lives would be without GAP employment? They would likey starve to death or be sold into the sex trade. Suddenly, making sweatshirts all day doesn't sound like a bad gig.

Atleast these children have a job. Can you imagine how much worse their lives would be without GAP employment? They would likey starve to death or be sold into the sex trade. Suddenly, making sweatshirts all day doesn't sound like a bad gig.

Atleast these children have a job. Can you imagine how much worse their lives would be without GAP employment? They would likey starve to death or be sold into the sex trade. Suddenly, making sweatshirts all day doesn't sound like a bad gig.
LOL says – reply to this

55

Re: Anna Wintour – LOL
Tanya says – reply to this

56

I find it really sad that the Britney Spears post is recieving more comments than the gap post. This is what is wrong with society. SO SAD!!!!!
joshua says – reply to this

57

This will sound insensitive to most but the fact that children work in these factories demonstrates this is the best opportunity available to them. Were it not for GAP employing them they would be working for less compensation in an alternative line. Until you are prepared to personally fund their education it is ignorant for you to criiticize.
Aileen says – reply to this

58

This just breaks my heart.
Shinjuku says – reply to this

59

I wonder how many people will read this article and actually not shop at the Gap anymore. I sure hope so. Perez, you have enormous power, use it! Ban the Gap!
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa says – reply to this

60

Never shopped at the Gap - never will. Just so sad
Jazmin says – reply to this

61

Im with #34!!!
Alexandrita says – reply to this

62

Re: joshua – That's a pretty ignorant and insensitive answer. Children there are being held by force and being paid slave wages. To say that that's the best they can do and they should be happy for what they have is equal to justifying slavery. Fucking idiot ass bigot.
Limey Brits says – reply to this

63

Number 50, is a stupid, limp-wristed English queerboy.
Just keepin it real... says – reply to this

64

As long as it keeps prices down for me, I don't care if they have 4 year old working dawn to dusk. At least they are getting a job.
Jazmin says – reply to this

65

[re=809314]Re: beckey[/re
Same here!! i applied a full year ago and they sent me a letter saying thattheir computers were stolen with my info on it.. which is bullshit.. why should it be required to put ur ssn# on your application if you dont even know if youll get an interview?! they should just ask for that when you actually do get the interview!!.. and now this?.. MORONS!!
GAP SUX!!!!!!!
Hey says – reply to this

66

To clarify, it is not just Gap brand, it is Gap, Inc., which does include Old Navy and Banana Republic. This was a result of a vendor for Gap, Inc. (they have over 2,000 different vendors that typically make just one or two specific items of clothing each) outsourcing to another company, i.e. the sweatshop. Gap, Inc. did cancel the contract with this vendor and they did not sell the clothing in the store, nor will they ever receive or place on their shelves the items that were made in the sweatshop.
Its sad, but at least they took immediate action to correct it, and we all know they are the first company to have to deal with this problem.
Not surprised says – reply to this

67

I'm not surprised to read this at all. I just landed a job at Old Navy a month ago, only to quit right after orientation- the company appeared to be elitist and the employees were rude. The company claims they are concerned about social issues, only to read this, I realize how hypocritical they are. I'm glad I made the right decision.
PEOPLE NOT PRODUCTS says – reply to this

68

Thanks for Posting this Perez.

BOYCOT THE GAP!!!!
BOYCOT THE GAP!!!!
BOYCOT THE GAP!!!!
BOYCOT THE GAP!!!!
BOYCOT THE GAP!!!!

BOYCOT PRODUCTS MADE IN INDIA, CHINA & BANGLADESH.

PEOPLE NOT PRODUCTS!!!!!!!!
Ron says – reply to this

69

The only way to fight these kind of child exploitation is to make the government of India give death sentence to anyone hiring or buying children that includes the parents. These companies like GAP have to insist on stiff penalties from the government if they are serious about not hiring child labour.
lauren says – reply to this

70

yea i hate gap…there clothes are so plain and expensive just like banana republic. i love Old Navy so much better
John says – reply to this

71

Perez, you could make a daily post just like this. You will never run out of material, lots of companies do the same shit with children in south asia.
jessica says – reply to this

72

thanks perez, for using your incredible popularity to expose garbage like this!
jessica says – reply to this

73

i don't think all of the commenters are getting it–old navy is owned by the same company as gap, which means their clothing was made in just as poor of conditions.
Neneh says – reply to this

74

Re: i hate spics (they stink) –

The Gap also operates Banana Republic and Old Navy, you uneducated window licker! God, I hope you're steril and won't be able to reproduce moronic kids like yourself!
WRITE GAP JUST LIKE POLAROID says – reply to this

75

WHY ARE THEY OUTSOURCING TO INDIA IN THE FIRST PLACE? THEY NEED TO KEEP THEIR SHIT ON AMERICAN SOIL. WE ARE A NATION OF CONSUMERS. GONE ARE THE DAYS WHERE WE EXPORTED GOODS. CHINA OWN A GIGANTIC PORTION OF OUR NATIONAL DEBT. SOON WE'LL ALL BE SUCKING CHINESE COCK.
WRITE GAP JUST LIKE POLAROID says – reply to this

76

WHY ARE THEY OUTSOURCING TO INDIA IN THE FIRST PLACE? THEY NEED TO KEEP THEIR SHIT ON AMERICAN SOIL. WE ARE A NATION OF CONSUMERS. GONE ARE THE DAYS WHERE WE EXPORTED GOODS. CHINA OWN A GIGANTIC PORTION OF OUR NATIONAL DEBT. SOON WE'LL ALL BE SUCKING CHINESE COCK.
shezzz says – reply to this

77

whatever!! these kids are more than happy to have a job. their parents want them working to support the family. they are now without an income and will be forced into Lord knows what to support their families. Until they can get a handle on their own country and their economic situation, I say thank heaven they have the option of working for gap and not child prostitution. I LOVE GAP!!!
munch says – reply to this

78

It will make me feel sick to ever shop there again. Fuck the Gap!!!! They've made shitloadds off the backs of children SHAME! SHAME SHAME!! I wanna go and burn all my husband's shitty chinos now. They're overpriced and crap quality anyway.
I don't stink says – reply to this

79

Re: i hate spics (they stink) – Just ask my 26 year old, 6'1, 177 lb. green eyed, dirty blonde haired, educated white boyfriend. I smell goooooooooood!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't stink says – reply to this

80

Re: i hate spics (they stink) – Just ask my 26 year old, 6'1, 177 lb. green eyed, dirty blonde haired, educated white boyfriend. I smell goooooooooood!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't stink says – reply to this

81

Re: i hate spics (they stink) – Just ask my 26 year old, 6'1, 177 lb. green eyed, dirty blonde haired, educated white boyfriend. I smell goooooooooood!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just like the Article says says – reply to this

82

Re: elclang – OUTSOURCING TO A THIRD WORLD, YOU GOTTA KNOW WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN. SHOULD STAY ON AMERICAN SOIL!
Just like the Article says says – reply to this

83

Re: elclang – OUTSOURCING TO A THIRD WORLD, YOU GOTTA KNOW WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN. SHOULD STAY ON AMERICAN SOIL! YOU'RE A 'TARD IF YOU THINK YOU'RE HELPING THE BIG BAD COMPANIES STAY IN BUSINESS BY DEFENDING THEM. YOU ARE CAUSING YOUR OWN ECONOMICAL DEATH BY BUYING CHEAP SHIT FROM OVER SEAS.
Just like the Article says says – reply to this

84

Re: elclang – OUTSOURCING TO A THIRD WORLD, YOU GOTTA KNOW WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN. SHOULD STAY ON AMERICAN SOIL! YOU'RE A 'TARD IF YOU THINK YOU'RE HELPING THE BIG BAD COMPANIES STAY IN BUSINESS BY DEFENDING THEM. YOU ARE CAUSING YOUR OWN ECONOMICAL DEATH BY BUYING CHEAP SHIT FROM OVER SEAS.
Just like the Article says says – reply to this

85

Re: elclang – OUTSOURCING TO A THIRD WORLD, YOU GOTTA KNOW WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN. SHOULD STAY ON AMERICAN SOIL! YOU'RE A 'TARD IF YOU THINK YOU'RE HELPING THE BIG BAD COMPANIES STAY IN BUSINESS BY DEFENDING THEM. YOU ARE CAUSING YOUR OWN ECONOMICAL DEATH BY BUYING CHEAP SHIT FROM OVER SEAS.
janete says – reply to this

86

how sad! atleast gap are stepping up. i hope they manage to help these kids and keep the media updated on the children's improvement. i think gap should give all of these kids and their families clothes until they are 18 as a good gesture. and mke sure those horrible people pay for these kids enducation and full support
HOW DO WE FIND IT? says – reply to this

87

Re: The Hungry Gourmet – How do we get a list of things made within a hundred miles? Produce, clothing, et cetera…
HOW DO WE FIND IT? says – reply to this

88

Re: The Hungry Gourmet – How do we get a list of things made within a hundred miles? Produce, clothing, et cetera…
HOW DO WE FIND IT? says – reply to this

89

Re: The Hungry Gourmet – How do we get a list of things made within a hundred miles? Produce, clothing, et cetera…
HOW DO WE FIND IT? says – reply to this

90

Re: The Hungry Gourmet – How do we get a list of things made within a hundred miles? Produce, clothing, et cetera…
sam says – reply to this

91

SUcks to be those kids in India.

Whatever. Just whip their asses and get me my kewl gap clothes!
me says – reply to this

92

I WILL NEVER GO INTO A GAP AS LONG AS I LIVE
p says – reply to this

93

So what will happen to these kids when they are taken out of the job that is feeding their family???They will be sold into the sex trade industry. It is sad and it is not right but these people are trying to find ways to eat and live every day. If you are going to fight for these children's rights, don't fight the GAP, go higher up, go to your governments, demand that changes be made in these countries concerning the government and how they treat the poor. Fighting The GAP is not going to get any answers, it will just force children into worse jobs .
Rick says – reply to this

94

Who CARES?!?!?! They are not our kids, what they do is their own business. You want to make a difference? Buy American automobiles and support OUR economy..that way, American companies wont be FORCED to outsource.
hot_homo says – reply to this

95

Who cares Perez! These people need work too! Its better than 8000 uneducated sickly healthcare resource suckin illegal Mexicans in this country making the clothes. This will never change so pick your evil and stick with it!! Go GAP!! America and its greedy blood suckin corporations have always been apart of this problem. Capitalism and democracy is our way of life, and it will likely be our undoing!!
Jenny says – reply to this

96

Horrible! I will NEVER shop at GAP again. EVER!!!!
jplo says – reply to this

97

this is SICK. i will never buy anything from the GAP… ever!
molly says – reply to this

98

I run a nonprofit in SE Asia and I have to say Gap does a wonderful job overall policing its factories. In Cambodia the GAP jobs are so needed and appreciated. I think this is an anomaly for them. I think for the most part they work really hard to ensure they have safe working conditions and adult workers. I think as a corporation they are compassionate to the needs of people in developing countries. I think there are always mistakes and you can police your sources better but this is a blip on the radar for them. They are a good company.
carly says – reply to this

99

the gap does suck.
even working in their stores suck. 8 an hour licks
molly says – reply to this

100

Re: The Hungry Gourmet –

I think to say we will only buy products made within 100 miles of our home is wrong. We are global citizens. Garment jobs in developing countries are highly sought after. I do not see tons of Americans clammering for them. The GAP is very socially conscious. I run a nonprofit working with very vulnerable people in developing countries and I believe the GAP is trying to be good world citizens. I do not think isolationism is the answer. I also think when you produce millions of products mistakes happen. We have seen GAP's presence in Cambodia and they do a great job policing factories there. This was a blip on the radar and I am sure they will work to prevent it in the future.

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Criss Angel Is Recorded Threatening To Knock Out His Producer!

Whoa! Criss Angel is NOT messing around here!

The Luxor headlining illusionist was recorded having quite the verbal altercation with Joe Monti, one of his magic producers on Wednesday, during which Angel is heard threatening to knock him out - and now he's had a police report filed against him!

Give it a listen (above)!

Furthermore, Monti later said to authorities that he recorded the meeting because Angel has a history of bullying employees!

He explains:

“I wanted him to know how demeaning he was. I created 50-60 percent of the magic for ‘Mindfreak.' I have no reason to do anything vindictively but I draw the line on violence.”

Scary!

Violence is never the answer, folks!