Cole's tweet, sent via the line's @KennethCole account, stated:

Millions are in an uproar in #Cairo. Rumor is they heard our new spring collection is now available online at http://bit.ly/KCairo -KC 

A few hours after the tweet was posted Thursday, Cole himself issued this statement on his label's Facebook page:

I apologize to everyone who was offended by my insensitive tweet about the situation in Egypt. I’ve dedicated my life to raising awareness about serious social issues, and in hindsight my attempt at humor regarding a nation liberating themselves against oppression was poorly timed and absolutely inappropriate.

Kenneth Cole, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer

The tweet also has boosted the number of people following the @KennethCole account by about 3,000 within just a few hours, according to a report from the Associated Press. The link in the message directed people to the online store for the lines Kenneth Cole New York and Kenneth Cole Reaction.