Paul Frank The Actual Person ‘Saddened And Disappointed’ By Brand’s Racist FNO Event

In Brief

Paul Frank The Actual Person ‘Saddened And Disappointed’ By Brand’s Racist FNO Event

11:30 am, September 17th | by Laura Donovan

My inner eighth grader sobbed at the news of Paul Frank clothing line’s racially insensitive “Dreamcatchin” Fashion Night Out party, but it turns out there was no need for tears. Paul Frank Sunich, the mastermind behind Julius the Monkey and co-founder of Paul Frank Industries, has “no ties” to the business right now and is “saddened and disappointed” by the “unfortunate event,” which involved attendees dressing up in Native American-themed attire and drinking tasteless named beverages such as “Neon Teepee” and “Rain Dance Refresher.”

The bash stoked a lot of controversy and offended many, and Sunich decided it would be a good idea to clear the air and reiterate that he distanced himself from Paul Frank Industries seven years ago.

In a public statement released to The Jane Dough, Sunich says that he has not been involved with Paul Frank Industries since 2005, when he went on to launch Park La Fun. The designer is in no way associated with his former company, but remains upset by the highly-publicized gathering, which reflected poorly on the apparel purveyor, his own name, and perhaps his most recognizable (and lovable) brainchild, Julius the Monkey:

I am saddened and disappointed by the recent news involving the Paul Frank Industries brand and how the new owners are using my creation, Julius the Monkey.

To the extent that anyone associates me with this unfortunate event or other ongoing use of other characters I had created for that brand, I would like to take this opportunity to set the record straight. As I have mentioned, I am no longer in any way involved with that company. Please do not confuse my past involvement in the Paul Frank Industries brand with the actions of the current owners.

My goal in life has always been to make art that will make people happy and that is still my goal with my new company, Park La Fun. It has always been my hope and desire that my former company would use the characters I left behind for that same purpose. Unfortunately, though, that is not something I can control.

Still your friend,
Paul Frank

I should have known that any guy cool enough to bring Julius to life would never condone such idiocy. Paul Frank, I’m still your friend, if you’ll have me.