Bath & Body Works apologizes for candle design resembling KKK hoods

Bath & Body Works is under fire for a design on packaging that resembles Ku Klux Klan hoods, a similarity that was called out this week on social media and prompted the retailer to issue an apology. The packaging for the Snowed In winter candle features a snowflake of white cutouts, a style that drew comparisons to the hoods with eye holes worn by the KKK. Bath & Body Works pulled the candle from store shelves and it is no longer available online. Bath & Body Works needs to fire all the people who approved this candle artwork 🤦🏻♀️ pic.twitter.com/jkHpVtN503— Ash (@ash_like_whoa) October 8, 2024 The situation comes days after Heinz pulled an ad campaign that came under scrutiny for evoking blackface. “At Bath & Body Works, we are committed to listening to our teams and customers, and committed to fixing any mistakes we make-even those that are unintentional like this one,” the retailer wrote in a statement. “We apologize to anyone we’ve offended and are swiftly working to have this item removed and are evaluating our process going forward.” On X on Friday, consumers urged the fragrance and candle maker to do better and take accountability. One user suggested having minorities review product packaging and designs in the future—a suggestion that has been made countless times before amid the blunders of other brands. Maybe you need some minorities reviewing these items too...Bath & Body Works Apologizes And Pulls Candle Depicting KKK Hood-Like Design #Design #Marketing #Amazonhttps://t.co/2YEQYXNCYs— Dianne Bradley (@DianneB80114328) October 11, 2024 Bath & Body Works removing that candle was a necessary move. How did that design even make it to shelves? This isn't just a branding mistake; it's a reminder of how sensitive cultural symbols can be. Let’s hope they take this as a lesson in awareness and responsibility.— CurioPulse (@Curio_Pulse) October 10, 2024 In recent years, the likes of Adidas, Prada, H&M and Gucci have all faced backlash for products or campaigns that appeared racist. Experts say the failures come when brands do not diversify the people in the room who are approving designs to see how they will be received in an increasingly multicultural marketplace. Bath & Body Works’ candle dilemma also comes as many marketers are pulling back on DEI commitments. Earlier this month, Toyota Motor Corp. was the latest to announce a refocus of such programs amid what the automaker called “a highly politicized discussion” around DEI. Advocacy groups such as Human Rights Campaign and The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People have been vocal in criticizing racial justice pullbacks.

Bath & Body Works apologizes for candle design resembling KKK hoods

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