A&F to Pay ‘The Sitch' to Not Wear Their Clothes

This is definitely a "glass half full/empty" scenario. In one sense, Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino is getting paid big bucks to do even less than he's asked to do on Jersey Shore. On the other hand, his reputation is so toxic that clothing companies will dig deep to keep him far away from their brands.

Abercrombie & Fitch has just released a statement they are calling a "Win Win Situation" - essentially, they will pay Sorrentino money to not wear their clothing.

"We are deeply concerned that Mr. Sorrentino's association with our brand could cause significant damage to our image. We understand that the show is for entertainment purposes, but believe this association is contrary to the aspirational nature of our brand, and may be distressing to many of our fans," read the statement. "We have therefore offered a substantial payment to Michael 'The Situation' Sorrentino and the producers of MTV's The Jersey Shore to have the character wear an alternate brand. We have also extended this offer to other members of the cast, and are urgently waiting a response."

Ouch.

Sorrentino is not shy about showing off his A&F apparel - particularly their briefs, which are clearly visible whenever he is shirtless and/or pantless (which is often).

Many see this as a bit of hypocrisy on the part of A&F, citing the fact that they sold "The Fitchuation" T-shirts in an obvious attempt to capitalize on the popularity of Jersey Shore and Sorrentino.

"'The Situation' -- my name, or my character -- is known worldwide now. Abercrombie & Fitch, their most popular shirt, they told me, is 'Fitchuation.' I mean, where did they get that from? Obviously from myself," Sorrentino recently told New York Magazine.

MTV seems to think so too.

"It’s a clever PR stunt and we’d love to work with them on other ways they can leverage Jersey Shore to reach the largest youth audience on television," said an MTV Spokesperson.

There is no word on exactly how much A&F is willing to pony up to keep their clothes off the rental beach house floor.

Contact Us