Fugazi drummer Brendan Canty has publicly criticised a recent "Vans and Fugazi" trainer collaboration as "tone deaf", after fans were misled into believing the anti-consumerist post-hardcore band had partnered with the footwear giant. In reality, the collaboration was between Vans and a Los Angeles-based luxury streetwear label that happens to share the Fugazi name, not the band. The confusion matters because Fugazi have famously never licensed official merchandise or done clothing collaborations, making the apparent tie-in seem out of character and, to Canty, deliberately provocative.

The band's label, Dischord Records, co-founded by frontman Ian MacKaye, quickly confirmed it had nothing to do with the venture, and Vans subsequently removed the original post and apologised. Steve Van Doren, Vans' VP of marketing and events, clarified that "Fugazi the Band and Fugazi the clothing Brand are not connected", expressed respect for MacKaye and said the company was exploring ways to support skateboarders and their shared communities. Canty told Consequence he felt the campaign was "vindictive" and "targeted" at the band, adding that he was "hurt" and had previously believed Vans were "on the side of the angels". Fugazi released six studio albums, ending with 2001's 'The Argument', before going on indefinite hiatus after their 2002 UK tour.