Detroit Red Wings denounce use of their logo at white supremacist demonstration

Updated 6:22 p.m. to reflect the NHL’s statement on the recent events.

The Detroit Red Wings were forced to release a statement dissociating themselves from a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Va., after a group of demonstrators were seen using the team’s logo.

The Detroit Red Wings vehemently disagree with and are not associated in any way with the event taking place today in Charlottesville, Va. The Red Wings believe that Hockey is for Everyone and we celebrate the great diversity of our fan base and our nation. We are exploring every possible legal action as it pertains to the misuse of our logo in this disturbing demonstration.

The “Detroit Right Wings” are a group of anti-immigrant white nationalists from Michigan, who were seen protesting with signs flashing a modified version of the NHL team’s logo. You can see the logo towards the end of this video.

Here is the NHL’s statement regarding the use of the Red Wings’ logo:

“We are obviously outraged by the irresponsible and improper use of our intellectual property as seen this weekend in Charlottesville, Va. This specific use is directly contrary to the value of inclusiveness that our League prioritizes and champions. We will take immediate and all necessary steps to insure the use is discontinued as promptly as possible, and will vigorously pursue other remedies, as appropriate.”

As a result of the protests, which turned violent, the University of Virginia has canceled all of its on-campus events, including a scheduled Meet the Team football appearance.