International Skating Union apologizes for ‘error’ nominating Holocaust-themed costume for award

The International Skating Union apologized Monday for erroneously nominating an offensive outfit worn by Russian figure skater Anton Shulepov for an award. Shulepov was wearing an ensemble associated with the Holocaust.

Figure skating’s governing body publicly addressed the “error” nomination following outcry on social media.

Shulepov wore the costume during his free skate routine at the Grand Prix of Figure Skating in Sapporo, Japan, on Nov. 23, as the theme from “Schindler’s List” played in the background. The outfit combined elements from uniforms worn by those held in concentration camps and included a yellow Star of David over a striped pattern. It was nominated for “best costume” before the International Skating Union said the nomination was actually meant for Shulepov’s short program (he wore a dark shirt that opened to reveal a red shirt over black pants during a variety music program).

“This error has been corrected and the (International Skating Union) sincerely apologizes for this mistake and the bad sentiments it has caused,” a Monday statement from figure skating’s international governing body said. “The ISU regrets that by error the wrong costume (Free Skating instead of Short Program costume) of Mr. Shulepov has been presented for voting.”

Skating’s “best costume” category is one of the four awards open to voting by the public, alongside ISU and media members. The sport has regularly put a premium on the creativity shown by the outfit ensembles. The voting is open until Feb. 10 and an awards ceremony is slated for March 22 at Montreal’s Bell Centre, where the 2020 World Figure Skating Championships is held.

Messages made by USA TODAY Sports to the ISU were not immediately returned Tuesday morning.

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