Bath & Body Works Apologizes, Removes Candle With KKK Hood-Like Design
Bath & Body Works has issued an apology and removed a candle from its shelves after facing backlash over its design, which was deemed to resemble a Ku Klux Klan hood. The candle, part of the brand’s “Autumn Leaves” collection, featured a brown and white ombre design with a pointed, hooded shape.
The company’s statement, released on social media, acknowledged the “unintentional resemblance” to the KKK hood and expressed remorse for the “hurt and offense” caused. “We deeply regret that this design has been interpreted in such a way and we are committed to ensuring that our products reflect our core values of inclusivity and respect,” the statement read.
The candle’s design sparked widespread outrage and criticism on social media, with many users pointing out the deeply offensive imagery associated with the KKK. The company’s response, while acknowledging the issue, faced further criticism for its initial lack of awareness and for not taking immediate action to remove the product from its shelves.
This incident highlights the importance of careful consideration of design choices and the potential impact they can have on various communities. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly innocuous designs can hold unintentional and hurtful connotations. Bath & Body Works, in their statement, also acknowledged the need to strengthen their internal review process to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
While the apology and removal of the candle are a positive step, it remains to be seen how the company will address the concerns raised about its design process and its commitment to ensuring inclusivity in future product offerings.