International retailer sparks outrage with 'racist' sweater ad
An international clothing giant is in hot water after an ad for a sweater was shared on the company's website and was dubbed as racist. The Breakfast Team have decided to share their views on it.
A popular Swedish clothing giant has been called out after an image of a black boy wearing a green sweater made the rounds. Why? Well, the writing on the top reads, 'coolest monkey in the jungle'.
. @hm, have you lost your damned minds?!?!?! pic.twitter.com/EYuCXLZtv3
— Charles M. Blow (@CharlesMBlow) January 8, 2018
#iSTREETS H&M slammed for racist branding on a black male model child as first celebrity in partnership with them "The Weekend" cancels contract!!!
— 2FM (@2Fmke) January 9, 2018
Will @NICKIMINAJ cancel hers too?#2FMBreakfast @KevMatara @dallahz pic.twitter.com/jBo7CCPCLS
The image has now been removed from the company's UK website and according to BBC, the brand has taken to social media to apologise for the image, saying: "We apologise to anyone this may have offended".
Award-winning artist The Weeknd expressed his disappointment in the Swedish brand and has said that he will not be working with them any longer.
Many people took to social media to criticise the brand and even called the ad 'racist'. After the Breakfast Team saw the image, they decided to share their thoughts and views. Here's what they had to say:
Darren says: 'I would buy this for my child but we live in a rapidly changing environment so I can see how this was racially inclined'.
Keri added: 'It only made me cringe because of how everyone else will react. Had they switched the models none of this would be happening. If I adopted a black child I don't think I'd dress him/her in it because of what people would say. I think we are confused. I call my nephew monkey'.
Sky said: 'At first glance, I didn't see a problem until people had explained it to me. I understand we are in a sensitive world but I would buy the hoodie'.
After seeing the image and the views from the team, what are your thoughts? Are people just overreacting? Share your comments with us below: