H&M apologises for using black child to model ‘monkey’ hoodie
Swedish clothing chain lambasted on social media for ‘insensitive’ image
High street fashion chain H&M has apologised for using a black child to model a “monkey” hoodie.
The image, which appeared on the UK website of the Sweden-based multinational, shows a black child in a green hoodie emblazoned with the slogan “coolest monkey in the jungle”.
On Sunday, the photo began to be shared by social media users dismayed by the “an insensitive association between the young model and a hateful slur against black people,” the New York Daily News reports.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
As the image continued to circulate on Monday, the backlash against the clothing giant gathered pace:
Others noted that another hoodie in the range, with the slogan “Survival Expert”, was modelled by a white child:
Although a few tweeters defended H&M, saying the photo was the product of cultural misunderstanding:
Even if the offence was unintentional, many argued, the well-known historical and cultural connotations of monkey imagery should have raised a red flag long before the listing made it onto the website:
Some ascribed the error to a lack of diversity and a reminder of the importance of representation:
The photo featuring the child model has now been removed from the website listing.
“We apologise to anyone this may have offended,” said a spokesperson for the chain, in what African-American website The Root termed a “pithy, lukewarm apology”.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
How to choose a high-yield savings account
The Explainer What to consider, from interest rates to fees to accessibility
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
Polycystic ovary syndrome: What it is, how it's treated and why it's often misunderstood
The Explainer PCOS affects millions, but there is still no cure outside of treating symptoms separately
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Sudoku hard: December 6, 2024
The Week's daily hard sudoku puzzle
By The Week Staff Published
-
George Floyd legacy: what has changed in the US three years on
feature Police officers are more accountable but has ‘white empathy’ hit a wall?
By Chas Newkey-Burden Published
-
What Harry & Meghan reveals about the Duchess of Sussex’s reputation within the royal family
feature New Netflix documentary shines a light on the British monarchy’s relationship with the patriarchy and whiteness
By The Week Staff Published
-
‘Where are you from?’: a question of race and identity
Talking Point Lady Hussey racism row could hardly have come at a worse time for the royals
By The Week Staff Published
-
Inclusive Britain: a new strategy for tackling racism in the UK
Speed Read Government has revealed action plan setting out 74 steps that ministers will take
By The Week Staff Published
-
‘Racism and prejudice emerges over war in Ukraine’
Instant Opinion Your digest of analysis from the British and international press
By The best columns Published
-
‘The social care debacle has the same feel as the 1989 poll tax’
Instant Opinion Your digest of analysis from the British and international press
By The best columns Published
-
‘Azeem Rafiq’s intervention is a golden opportunity to make cricket more inclusive’
Instant Opinion Your digest of analysis from the British and international press
By The best columns Published
-
‘In England, the economy matters more than people’s lives’
Instant Opinion Your digest of analysis and commentary from the British and international press
By The best columns Published