H&M Controversy

January 24, 2018

Recently, popular clothing company H&M has sparked outrage due to an advertisement considered by many to be offensive and racist which features an African-American child wearing a sweatshirt which read “Coolest Monkey in the Jungle.” After massive public disapproval on popular social media sites, the company removed the advertisement and product and issued an apology.

The apology covered a broad field of issues with the advertisement such as the “racist” image it displayed, and the responsibility of the company to avoid such errors. It stated “We have a responsibility to be aware of and attuned to all racial and cultural sensitivities – and we have not lived up to this responsibility this time” (HM) and “Our position is simple – we’ve got this wrong and we’re deeply sorry.” By doing so the company hoped to reduce any further backlash and show remorse for the issue they sparked.

Many public figures spoke up against the ad such as NBA player LeBron James, music mogul Diddy, rapper T.I, and actor Alex Medina. Pop artists G-Eazy and The Weeknd have denounced the company and stated that they will no longer be working with them in the future.

As of now the company has publicly apologized and resumed business as usual.

           

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