TheSituation

Abercrombie & Fitch has caused a ruckus by announcing that it plans to pony up a "substantial payment" to Jersey Shore's six-pack flashing Michael "The Situation" Sorrentino not to wear its apparel. Before the retailer scolds reality-TV stars, it should examine its own checkered past.

Abercrombie & Fitch has offered to pay Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, a cast member on MTV's "Jersey Shore," money to stop wearing its clothes. But does the brand really hate Sorrentino, or is the move simply a way to score a free affiliation with the star?

Designers like Tommy Hilfiger and Oscar de la Renta depend on big celebrity names to sit in the front row of their shows during Fashion Week, which kicks off Feb. 11 in New York City. The A-listers typically wear the designer's latest frocks and parade around looking classy, helping to create buzz...