The latest chapter in the Jennifer Hudson family triple murder saga surrounds her new holiday ad with The Gap.  It’s been widely reported that the clothing chain considered removing Hudson from the The company’s new print, store and billboard ads were unveiled Thursday following the murders, but decided to keep the artist after she gave her approval.

“We felt that it was really important first and foremost to respect what she wanted to do, so as long as she felt comfortable with her campaign being out there, we felt comfortable,” Olivia Doyne, director of engagement marketing and public relations for Gap, told the Associated Press.

But was there any insensitivity involved?  Most of the reaction across the blogoshpere has been complimentary of The GAP’s response.

The Hudson’s photos for the campaign were taken in July (must have been pretty warm in that sweater), some three months before the Oct. 24 triple homicide of her 57-year-old mother, Darnell Donerson, her brother 29-year-old Jason Hudson and her 7-year-old nephew Julian King.

“The minute we heard about the tragedy, we actually contacted her management team to ask if she wanted to participate or if she wanted us to pull her out of it,” said Doyne. “They checked in with her and said that she still wanted to participate. It was definitely our first thought.”

The minute they heard about the tragedy they called her people to find out if she wanted to participate?  Perhaps the quote was chopped up but here’s a young lady that you’re exploiting to promote your product (albeit for compensation) and once you hear of such an incredible tragedy the first thought on the Gap’s mind was to see if they wanted to pull the ad?  I understand the concern but seems very self serving.  Should not their first response have been to issue a statement of condolence?  Send some flowers?  A Blue Mountain E-Card?  SOMETHING! 

You can even tell by Doyne’s statement that Gap Inc. is concerned that Hudson’s presence in the ads will dampen shoppers holiday cheer and cause them to spend less.

“She just looks incredible and she’s got such this big, beautiful personality and I think (it) came through on the photos really well,” said Doyne. “So I really hope that despite all the heartbreak that’s been happening, she’ll still bring a smile to people’s faces.”

YAH and money out their pockets.  Business will be business I understand but in this life we live dependant on each other for success, health and well-being it’d be nice to hear about folks looking out for others above themselves every now and then.  Sorry for the rant.