A current headline would possibly lead one to consider {that a} “Russian Oligarch CEO” spent a frivolous $9000 on sneakers as a political assertion supporting Trump. Nonetheless, the truth behind the sensationalist title is a deeply American story—one in all onerous work, service, and patriotism.
At Sneaker Con in Philadelphia, former President Donald Trump stunned attendees by launching an exclusive line of sneakers and auctioning off the primary autographed pair.
Amid the fanfare and bidding struggle, Roman Sharf, CEO of Luxurious Bazaar, positioned the profitable $9000 bid for the “Never Surrender High-Tops.”
WATCH:
Man wins first ever autographed Trump excessive prime “Never Surrender” gold sneakers with profitable bid of $9000 pic.twitter.com/ipfa5AmAZu
— The Publish Millennial (@TPostMillennial) February 17, 2024
The sneakers, retailing at $399, are Trump’s novel entry into the style world. They characteristic a shiny gold physique, an American flag motif, and Trump’s signature “T” monogram. Throughout the occasion, Trump spoke of his long-held ambition to enter the sneaker market and praised the optimistic reception from influencers.
Nonetheless, the sale rapidly turned mired in controversy as mainstream media retailers just like the New York Post and the Daily Mail rushed to label Sharf as a “Russian oligarch.”
This mischaracterization sparked a flurry of on-line backlash, with some people vowing to boycott Sharf’s enterprise, assuming his high-profile buy was a political endorsement.
Sharf took to social media to handle the deceptive claims.
Sharf is much from the oligarch the headlines have prompt. He’s a former Ukrainian refugee who arrived in america together with his father with solely $4 and a future crammed with uncertainty.
Ranging from the age of 13, his relentless dedication and onerous work paved the way in which for his success, finally enabling him to afford a pair of collectible sneakers.
What’s extra, Sharf is a veteran who served within the U.S. Navy, honoring the nation that provided him a recent begin. He’s a Republican and in addition the proprietor of Luxurious Bazaar, which for 21 years has constructed a fame for distinctive service and experience in high-end watches.
In a heartfelt publish on X, Sharf emphasised that his buy was not politically motivated however a collector’s ardour and expressed disappointment on the divisive response from the general public.
“The headlines say: “Russian Oligarch CEO spends 9000 dollars on a pair of sneakers to support Trump.” Sounds catchy, however I got here from Ukraine (again when it was nonetheless the Soviet Union) as a refugee with my dad.”
I busted my ass since I used to be 13 years outdated, labored each soiled job you possibly can consider to get to some extent the place I can splurge on a $9000 pair of collectible sneakers, served within the U.S. Navy to proven my honor and gratitude for the chance to take action… However I suppose that headline wouldn’t have gotten clicks by saying “Russian Refugee,” or “Ukrainian Refugee,” or maybe… only a man.
I wasn’t making an attempt to make a political assertion by shopping for the sneakers, however nonetheless acquired a ton of messages saying, “You support Trump, therefore you lost a follower and client.” Right here, I assumed purchasers purchased watches from Luxurious Bazaar, resulting from our 21 years in enterprise and our customized service. What a affirmation of how divided this nation is.”
With that mentioned—no imply tweet, touch upon IG, or newspaper article will cease me from being a patriot of this nice nation. That is nice nation that when took in a poor immigrant and gave me the chance to be the place I’m at present.
The nation that stands to present us all a preventing probability. I really like this nation, and I’m proud to be an American. You wanna hate me for wanting this nation to be thriving and unified as one—go forward and choose this sneakerhead for my politics. However simply know that it doesn’t matter what, I do pledge allegiance to the Flag of america of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation beneath God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Thanks, and God bless America!”
WATCH:
The headlines say: “Russian Oligarch CEO spends 9000 dollars on a pair of sneakers to support Trump.”
Sounds catchy, however I got here from Ukraine (again when it was nonetheless the Soviet Union) as a refugee with my dad. The person had 4 {dollars} in his pocket.
I busted my ass since I used to be 13… pic.twitter.com/jodtOA4WT2
— Roman Sharf | CEO of Luxurious Bazaar (@romansharf) February 19, 2024
