Update: Pretty in China has canceled the original party and instead will host a benefit for sexual assault and domestic abuse. Read the latest update here.
In a Facebook post they write:
“For those that are wondering about the nature of our Project PiC poster, it is inspired by the movie flyer for Project X. We in no way meant anything derogatory. For that reason we would like to formally apologize those we offended, and will ensure to make all future promotions more in line with our mission.
Over half of our staff at Pretty in China are female, and there is no way that we would try to support any form of sexual assault.
Additionally, the subject person in our poster is also the creative designer for all of our promotional materials, including this one. The intent was to be humorous and playful by making fun of the original.
That being said, our Project PiC will instead be a Benefit raising awareness for domestic abuse and sexual assault. More details to come.”
A party flier distributed both on the UO campus and by social media today is causing an uproar.
Many are upset at the flier’s apparent disregard for the prevalance of sexual assault, especially on college campuses, by showing a young women passed out facedown at a party with two red plastic cups overturned next to her.
The flier in question (as seen above in a screenshot from Pretty in China’s Facebook page, since removed) advertises a “Project PiC” party hosted at local restaurant and bar The Granary on Thursday, April 16. Hosting the party is Pretty in China, a local nonuniversity affiliated event company that describes its goal as to “break down cultural barriers, promote cultural proficiency, and create a thriving local community supported by the international community.”
The R-G described them as a group that “throws epic nightclub-style parties.”
EW contacted Pretty in China for a comment and reached an associate for the company who would only give his first name — Kai.
“The lady you see in the promotion is a member,” he says. “It’s actually an idea that we created that we based on a movie called Project X.” Adding that the film is about young Americans planning a “really good party.”
See the poster for Project X below.
“We are not going to do anything illegal. We just want to have a very successful party,” he continues. “We just want people to know we’re going to host an awesome party. We will not allow any sort of sexual assault at our party.”
According to the Pretty in China website, Mercedes Benz and Hub on Campus Eugene are sponsors. EW is waiting to hear back from Mercedes Benz and Hub on Campus Eugene. EW left a message with The Granary, but the restaurant is closed Mondays. We will update this post as we hear back.
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