If this Associated Press report is true (that’s a big IF. It reeks of a publicity stunt) then: HILARIOUS!!  Stigma fallout! (Adidas, get your best PR team on this right away.)

Top: Abercrombie & Fitch publicity, Bottom: Mike Sorrentino attends LA party, pic Jason Merritt/Getty Images (via Chicago Tribune - click)

Abercrombie & Fitch is offering to pay Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino and his fellow Jersey Shore cast members so they’ll stop wearing the brand on the show.

“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,“ an Abercrombie & Fitch spokesperson said in a statement. “We have also extended this offer to other members of the cast, and are urgently waiting a response.”

In a follow up, the Chicago Tribunereports‘: Abercrombie stock drops 5% after ‘Jersey Shore’ dis.

Hmmm.

Colour me skeptical.

– P