H&M posts Black child in racist monkey hoodie, barely apologizes
The Sweden-based clothing giant once again causes online uproar
The Sweden-based clothing giant once again causes online uproar...
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H&M apologized after it was roasted on Twitter over a “racist” hoodie worn by a Black child model on its UK website.
The hoodie, emblazoned with the words “Coolest Monkey in the Jungle,” drew swift backlash.
Several people accused the clothing retail giant of racism or, at best, complete ignorance.
On Monday morning, the racist hoodie was still up for sale with an altered image without the model. However, the item was later removed from all of its websites.
So-called apology
In a statement provided to the New York Daily News, H&M somewhat apologized. “This image has now been removed from all H&M channels and we apologise to anyone this may have offended,” they said.
However, the Sweden-based company’s apology did little to extinguish the public flames.
In addition, H&M offered another apology to CBS MoneyWatch: “We sincerely apologize for this image. It has been now removed from all online channels and the product will not be for sale in the United States. We believe in diversity and inclusion in all that we do, and will be reviewing our internal routines.”
History of racism
Most noteworthy, this isn’t the first time H&M has been in hot water over race. In 2015, H&M South Africa was ironically called out for not having any Black models.
The brand only made things worse with its apology when it explained that the use of white models portrayed a more “positive image.” Of course, the statement was quickly slammed as tone deaf.
You can check out some of the reactions from the Twitterverse below.
. @hm, have you lost your damned minds?!?!?! pic.twitter.com/EYuCXLZtv3
— Charles M. Blow (@CharlesMBlow) January 8, 2018
Whose idea was it at @hm to have this little sweet black boy wear a jumper that says ‘coolest monkey in the jungle’?
I mean. What. pic.twitter.com/6AJfMdQS4L
— Stephanie Yeboah (@NerdAboutTown) January 7, 2018
More casual racism from H&M. This is nothing new when it comes to these clothing companies like Abercrombie and Tommy Hilfilger who have a long history of using their products to convey racist messages. https://t.co/6XwimxngCS
— Makkim (@Makkim77) January 8, 2018
@hm this is disgusting & irresponsible. You know the history of racist using the term “monkey” to demean people of African descent… and you put this on your website! ???? “Coolest Monkey In the Jungle” #SMH pic.twitter.com/IY877D2d8R
— Karamo Brown (@KaramoBrown) January 8, 2018
Journeyman, Episode 4: Walk among the tree tops and mountains at New York’s ‘Wild Center’:
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