Toms Founder Apologizes for Appearing at Focus on the Family Event  

The founder of charity shoe line Toms has apologized for speaking at a recent Irvine, Calif., event for Focus on the Family, the Colorado Springs-based social conservative organization.

Blake Mycoskie issued a Saturday statement apologizing for his participation at the June 30 Feet on the Ground faith conference after blogs including Jezebel blasted him for his involvement with a group that until 2009 had facilitated the Love Won Out ex-gay conference, now organized by Exodus International.

Mycoskie's mea culpa via his blog:

Had I known the full extent of Focus on the Family's beliefs, I would not have accepted the invitation to speak at their event. It was an oversight on my part and the company's part and one we regret. In the last 18 months we have presented at over 70 different engagements and we do our best to make sure we choose our engagements wisely, on this one we chose poorly.

Furthermore, contrary to what has been reported, Focus on the Family is not a TOMS giving partner.

So there is no misunderstanding created by this mistake, let me clearly state that both TOMS, and I as the founder, are passionate believers in equal human and civil rights for all. That belief is a core value of the company and of which we are most proud.