Bath & Body Works has issued an apology following backlash over a candle design that drew comparisons to the hoods worn by the Ku Klux Klan. The controversy erupted when the company released its ‘Snowed-In’ candle, featuring a snowflake design that some deemed reminiscent of the white hoods associated with the notorious white supremacist group.
The popular beauty care company, renowned for its range of fresh fragrances, moved swiftly to address the concerns raised by internet users and consumers. In a formal statement to TMZ, a Bath & Body Works representative acknowledged the mistake and expressed a commitment to listening to feedback and rectifying unintentional errors. The company stated, “We apologize to anyone we’ve offended and are swiftly working to have this item removed and [are] evaluating our process [going] forward.”
The design on the label of the holiday-themed candle featured snowflakes with crystal patterns that bore a striking resemblance to the hoods worn by the KKK, with distinctive eye cutouts. The public reaction on social media was swift, with individuals expressing astonishment over how such a design made it past approval processes. Commenters called for greater vigilance in ensuring cultural sensitivity and awareness in product designs, emphasising the importance of responsibility in branding decisions.
This is not the first time Bath & Body Works has faced criticism related to product designs. In a previous instance, the company released a “limited-edition” collection of products for Black History Month that repackaged existing items in prints resembling Kente cloths. These incidents highlight the importance of cultural competence and thorough scrutiny in the design and release of consumer goods.
The Independent reached out to Bath & Body Works for further comment on the situation. The company’s response to the recent controversy and its actions moving forward will be closely monitored by consumers and industry observers alike. This incident serves as a reminder to businesses about the need for vigilance and cultural sensitivity in all aspects of product development and marketing.