Investec causes outcry with “I can’t breathe” headline on research

(Reuters) – A research note published by South African bank Investec with the headline "I can't breathe" caused an outcry on social media on Wednesday for its use of the dying words of Eric Garner, an unarmed black man killed in a police chokehold.

The Investec note focused on a decision by U.S. authorities to put British bank Standard Chartered under greater regulatory scrutiny.

Ian Gordon, the analyst who wrote the note, said in it that the U.S. government exerted arguably disproportionate control and influence over Standard Chartered's business.

Investec's compliance department approved the note after removing a more explicit comparison with the Garner case.

However, the bank later apologised.

"Investec apologises unreservedly for the inappropriate content in this morning's research note on Standard Chartered and for any offence caused. The content in question does not represent the views of Investec," the bank said.

The note prompted some sharp criticism. Benjamin Lawsky, New York's powerful banking regulator and one of the U.S. regulators who has acted against Standard Chartered, tweeted: "Terrible. Should be disavowed with apologies by Investec."

Gordon was not immediately available to comment.

Garner's last words before he died in July have become a slogan for nationwide protests against police violence in the United States.