A Placerville barbershop is taking heat after a photo of a hanging doll portraying former 49er Colin Kaepernick was posted on social media.
“They got Colin Kaepernick hanging from a noose,” said Joseph, who shared the photo online.
Joseph only wanted to be referred to by his first name.
“I posted it because I drove past there about three or four times down there, and I didn’t notice that,” Joseph said.
The picture was taken by his friend inside the Bowtie Barbershop in downtown Placerville.
“I literally had no idea that I was offending people,” owner Bowtie Barber said. “We have a hangman down here in Hangtown and with the theme of Hangtown, I hung him, and I apologize.”
Barber is a well-known public figure in the community and says the hanged doll has been here since 2016 when Kaepernick and a teammate kneeled during the national anthem.
“I am a die-hard 49ers fan, and when that action happened, there was a lot portrayed on the 49ers, and I took it personally,” Barber said.
But even with an apology, some, like Joseph, say the damage is already done.
“Imagine how many kids already seen that doll,” Barber said. “Imagine those that disagree with it.”
“They should be playing in mud not worrying about why Colin Kaep is hanging from a dang ceiling,” Joseph said.
Now, Barber says he’s learned a valuable lesson and hopes his apology is accepted.
“I’m publicly announcing that I apologize,” Barber said. “It was the wrong thing to do, will not do it again, absolutely wrong thing to do. I’m sorry.”
The doll has since been taken down.
The barber says he hopes to talk to Joseph in-person to offer his apology.