A latest headline may lead one to consider {that a} “Russian Oligarch CEO” spent a frivolous $9000 on sneakers as a political assertion supporting Trump. Nevertheless, the truth behind the sensationalist title is a deeply American story—certainly one of exhausting work, service, and patriotism.
At Sneaker Con in Philadelphia, former President Donald Trump shocked attendees by launching an exclusive line of sneakers and auctioning off the primary autographed pair.
Amid the fanfare and bidding warfare, Roman Sharf, CEO of Luxurious Bazaar, positioned the successful $9000 bid for the “By no means Give up Excessive-Tops.”
WATCH:
Man wins first ever autographed Trump excessive high “By no means Give up” gold sneakers with successful 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. In the course of the occasion, Trump spoke of his long-held ambition to enter the sneaker market and praised the optimistic reception from influencers.
Nevertheless, the sale shortly turned mired in controversy as mainstream media shops 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 deal with the deceptive claims.
Sharf is much from the oligarch the headlines have recommended. He’s a former Ukrainian refugee who arrived in the US together with his father with solely $4 and a future full of uncertainty.
Ranging from the age of 13, his relentless dedication and exhausting work paved the best way for his success, in the end 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 popularity for distinctive service and experience in high-end watches.
In a heartfelt put up 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 help 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 may 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 assume that headline wouldn’t have gotten clicks by saying “Russian Refugee,” or “Ukrainian Refugee,” or maybe… only a man.
I wasn’t attempting to make a political assertion by shopping for the footwear, however nonetheless obtained a ton of messages saying, “You help Trump, due to this fact you misplaced a follower and consumer.” Right here, I believed purchasers purchased watches from Luxurious Bazaar, attributable to our 21 years in enterprise and our personalised service. What a affirmation of how divided this nation is.”
With that stated—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 after took in a poor immigrant and gave me the chance to be the place I’m right this moment.
The nation that stands to provide us all a combating likelihood. I 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 decide this sneakerhead for my politics. However simply know that it doesn’t matter what, I do pledge allegiance to the Flag of the US of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation below 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 help 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
