- H&M used a child to advertise a sweatshirt that says "coolest monkey in the jungle."
- Over the weekend, social media users claimed that this was racist because monkey is a known racial slur.
- H&M apologized on Monday — but some people think that isn't enough.
- The item is no longer for sale on the retailer's US website, but it does seem to be available on the UK site for $10.83 (£7.99 GBP) — although it's not shown on a model.
Over the weekend, H&M was accused of being racist after using a black boy to advertise a sweatshirt that says "coolest monkey in the jungle."
After facing sharp criticism on social media, the brand apologized on Monday and seemed to remove the item from its US website. However, the $10.83 (£7.99 GBP) sweatshirt, is still for sale on H&M's UK site, although it's not shown on a model.
"We sincerely apologize for offending people with this image of a printed hooded top. The image has been removed from all online channels and the product will not be for sale in the United States," a representative for the retailer said in a statement to INSIDER. "We believe in diversity and inclusion in all that we do and will be reviewing all our internal policies accordingly to avoid any future issues."
However, some people said on Twitter that this apology isn't enough and claimed that the brand should've known better, as monkey is a noted racist slur.
H&M has apologised for the model below wearing a "coolest monkey in the jungle" jumper.
— Seán O'Regan (@SeanOR95) January 8, 2018
Do people not stop the person who thought of it and say, "this might not be a good idea?"pic.twitter.com/Ag9MHMgs6t
Can’t be more confused and disgusted. H&M decided to put the black boy in a “Coolest Monkey in the Jungle” hoody and the white boy in a “Survival Expert” hoody. Can’t believe it’s 2018 and this offensive sickening racism still exists. We all must boycott H&M till they apologize. pic.twitter.com/OdynDKupjS
— BASH (@XIBash) January 8, 2018
It's still fuck H&M and their fake ass apology. Their racist asses knew what they were doing with this disgusting "coolest monkey in the jungle" ad.
— October the Poet (@Prose_n_politcs) January 8, 2018
Even their "apology" is strategic racism. Right wingers will now rally around them and buy their shitty clothes.
H&M thought this Ad was cool. Tagline: Coolest Monkey in the Jungle. #Speechlesspic.twitter.com/L8apI6uI7Y
— ft (@tufre80) January 8, 2018
It’s no accident that the black boy had the monkey jacket. Not at all. H&M can kick rocks... pic.twitter.com/8tWYcUjaxv
— TheGrandeDame (@Itsonlyreal) January 8, 2018
It's unclear at this time if H&M plans to address these claims.
H&M isn't the only brand that has recently been accused of racially insensitive practices. In December 2017, American Eagle was called out for selling metal bracelets that resembled slave shackles. Earlier, in October 2017, Dove was accused of being racist over an ad in which a black woman appeared to turn herself white.
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