Daughter of 9/11 victim slams Etsy over crass shirt showing plane-shaped Garfield flying into lasagna towers: ‘Have some humanity’

New York Post - Mar 23rd, 2025

Amy Stabile, daughter of a 9/11 victim, expressed outrage over a targeted Facebook ad for an Etsy T-shirt depicting Garfield flying into lasagna towers—a clear reference to the 9/11 attacks. The T-shirt was sold by NellisNestStore, an Australian seller, and featured the caption '9/11? Yea! I’ll take 911 ... orders of lasagna!' Stabile, whose father died in the World Trade Center attack, criticized Etsy for allowing such products on its platform, highlighting the insensitivity of profiting from a tragedy that claimed many lives. Following the backlash, the controversial shirts were removed from sale, but Stabile called for stricter content policies.

Etsy, which has policies against items that promote hate and violence, did not demand the removal of the T-shirts, stating humor is subjective. This stance has sparked further criticism, with Stabile urging the company to prioritize humanity over profit, especially concerning items related to terrorism. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between free speech and sensitivity in online marketplaces, emphasizing the need for platforms to balance creativity with respect for historical tragedies. Stabile's call for action underscores the importance of corporate responsibility toward victims' families and broader social accountability.

9/11 Etsy Amy Stabile Garfield Nellis Nest Store Offensive Merchandise Facebook Ad Content Policy

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.0

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively highlights a controversial incident involving a T-shirt design that references 9/11, focusing on the emotional impact on Amy Stabile, whose father died in the attacks. It accurately reports the key facts and presents a clear and engaging narrative. However, the article could benefit from a more balanced perspective by including views from the seller or Etsy representatives. The reliance on a single primary source limits the diversity of perspectives, and the article lacks transparency regarding the targeting of ads and Etsy's policy enforcement. Despite these limitations, the story is timely and relevant, addressing important issues of sensitivity and content moderation in online commerce. Overall, the article is well-written and accessible, with the potential to spark meaningful discussions about the responsibilities of online platforms and the boundaries of humor.

Accuracy

The article accurately reports on the incident involving a T-shirt featuring Garfield and the 9/11 reference, as confirmed by multiple sources. The key facts, such as Amy Stabile's father's death during the 9/11 attacks and her reaction to the T-shirt, are consistent with the available information. The description of the T-shirt and the seller's details are also accurate. However, the article could benefit from more precise details regarding how the advertisement was targeted to individuals like Amy Stabile, which remains somewhat ambiguous. Additionally, Etsy's response and actions are correctly portrayed, but further verification of the company's policy enforcement would enhance the article's accuracy.

Balance

The article primarily presents Amy Stabile's perspective and her reaction to the T-shirt, which is understandable given her personal connection to the 9/11 tragedy. However, the story could have been more balanced by including perspectives from the seller or other stakeholders involved, such as Etsy representatives. While the article mentions Etsy's policy and a brief comment from a spokesperson, it lacks a comprehensive view of the situation from multiple angles, such as a deeper exploration of the seller's intent or a broader discussion on the boundaries of humor and sensitivity in merchandise.

Clarity

The article is well-written and easy to follow, with a logical structure that guides the reader through the events and reactions. The language is clear and concise, effectively conveying the emotional impact of the situation on Amy Stabile. The use of direct quotes adds authenticity and helps to illustrate the personal nature of the story. However, the article could benefit from more detailed explanations of certain aspects, such as the targeting mechanism of the ads and the specific actions taken by Etsy, to enhance reader comprehension.

Source quality

The article cites Fox 5 New York and People as its primary sources, both of which are reputable media outlets. However, the reliance on a single primary interview with Amy Stabile limits the diversity of perspectives. Including additional sources, such as direct statements from Etsy or the seller, would enhance the article's credibility and provide a more nuanced understanding of the situation. The lack of direct quotes or interviews with other affected individuals or experts in the field of online commerce and content moderation is a notable gap in the source quality.

Transparency

The article provides a clear account of the events and the reactions of the individuals involved, particularly Amy Stabile. However, it lacks transparency regarding the methodology of how the advertisement was targeted and the decision-making process behind Etsy's actions. The article could improve transparency by explaining the criteria used by Etsy to determine what constitutes offensive content and how ads are targeted on social media platforms. Additionally, more information on the seller's background and the steps taken by Etsy to address the issue would provide readers with a clearer understanding of the situation.