Emmure's frontman Frankie Palmeri was subject to controversy when a line of T-shirts under his name began being produced that depicted an image of assailants Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold during the Columbine massacre coupled with the phrase "Shoot First Ask Questions Last" and another line with a scene from "American History X" which states "Violence As A Way of Life". Several journalists criticized the designs as "poorly designed" and "terribly offensive" while lacking any purpose or social commentary other than to stir controversy. Additionally, Palmeri has been quoted in a variety of online rants in which he uses the words "faggot" and "nigga" repeatedly, moves which have caused some observers to label him a racist and homophobic.