The iconic red sweater from Friends is making a comeback in a new collaboration between David Schwimmer and fashion brand Quince. However, the nostalgic campaign has faced unexpected criticism.
Quince launched its new campaign, The Red Sweater, on 9 November, featuring Schwimmer in the garment linked to one of the sitcom's most memorable plot twists. Some social media users have threatened to boycott the retailer due to the actor's perceived Zionist stance and its previous ties to the I've Had It podcast.
Fans Threaten to Boycott Quince
Several customers told Quince on Instagram that they would stop shopping with the retailer over Schwimmer's perceived political alignment. Some even called the actor a 'Zio' and threatened to 'boycott' the brand.
One customer wrote, 'This is a very unfortunate post. I'm very happy you have a 365-day return policy because I do not want to support your company anymore'. Another customer, who reported spending thousands of dollars with Quince over the past three to four years, commented, 'I don't approve of you featuring a Zio in your ad. Please do better'.
Schwimmer's Public Stance on Israel
David Schwimmer has publicly supported Jewish communities and condemned antisemitism following the Hamas-led attacks on 7 October 2023. He has also advocated for greater recognition of antisemitism.
In December 2023, he criticised organisations and activists who questioned reports of sexual violence against Israeli women during the attacks. In April 2024, he urged greater support for Jewish students facing antisemitism on US university campuses. Schwimmer further addressed such issues at the Anti-Defamation League's 'Never Is Now' conference in March 2025.
These positions have led some critics to describe him as a Zionist, a term that generally refers to support for Jewish self-determination and Israel's existence as a Jewish state. However, the term's meaning and political implications remain debated.
Quince Faces Questions Over Podcast Sponsorship
A third customer expressed concern about Quince's sponsorship of the podcast I've Had It. The customer threatened to stop shopping with Quince and return recent purchases if its sponsorship continued.
'I'm curious if you're going to continue to sponsor the "I've Had It" podcast with Jennifer Welch after they laughed at the assassination of Charlie Kirk', the user wrote. 'They apologised, but a day later reneged on their apology saying it wasn't about Kirk, but rather gun violence'.
The controversy centres on podcast hosts Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan, who faced criticism after laughing at a social media post about digging up Charlie Kirk. The conservative activist was assassinated in September 2025.
Just 5 minutes after laughing at the thought of digging up Charlie Kirk & killing him again, I've Had It host Jennifer Welch said her "hate" for MAGA people is only at 15%.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 8, 2026
Welch suggests her current rhetoric is just the beginning, & she still has 85% more to go.
"This show is… pic.twitter.com/W2OXtV0o5Q
The hosts later issued an apology, calling the joke insensitive and expressing regret for their response. They also stated that they had made a donation to Everytown, a US gun violence prevention organisation.
Quince's Advertising History With the Podcast
Quince has previously advertised on I've Had It. The podcast advertising tracker Ad Almanac lists the retailer as a recurring sponsor, with ads in 43 episodes and the latest placement in July 2026.
The sponsorship dispute has prompted several companies to reconsider advertising on the podcast. Recent reports indicate that at least 10 brands have ended advertising, declined future placements, or distanced themselves from the show.
These companies include Cash App, Zenni Optical, Casper, and Honeylove. Quince, however, has yet to publicly announce its current stance on the sponsorship.
