On Tuesday, department store H&M issued an apology for a hoodie that was construed by some as being racially insensitive.
A green hoodie that said “coolest monkey in the jungle” was modeled by a young black boy, advertised on the retail chain’s site. It was thought by Hollywood celebs and others online that the ad was racially charged, referencing the young black boy as a monkey.
“Our position is simple and unequivocal — we have got this wrong and we are deeply sorry,” starts the store’s lengthy apology.
H&M promotes “diversity and inclusion,” the statement continues. “But we clearly haven’t come far enough.”
The apology states that the company had zero intention of being racially insensitive, noting that the image was “unintentional” and “accidental in nature.”
We agree with all the criticism that this has generated – we have got this wrong and we agree that, even if unintentional, passive or casual racism needs to be eradicated wherever it exists. We appreciate the support of those who have seen that our product and promotion were not intended to cause offence but, as a global brand, 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.
This incident is accidental in nature, but this doesn’t mean we don’t take it extremely seriously or understand the upset and discomfort it has caused.
The image advertising the hoodie was removed from the site and the garment is no longer for sale, but “will be recycled.”
“Racism and bias in any shape or form, conscious or unconscious, deliberate or accidental, are simply unacceptable and need to be eradicated from society. In this instance we have not been sensitive enough to this agenda,” the statement wraps up. “Please accept our humble apologies.”
Stars quickly feigned outrage over the image showcasing the hoodie earlier in the week, unfairly painting H&M as a malicious and racist company.
Singer The Weeknd posted the image on Twitter and announced his departure with the retail giant.
LeBron James also posted about the hoodie.
When outrage has currency, there’s no end in sight as to what some might take offense to.