Bath & Body Works apologizes after candle design sparks KKK hood comparisons

[Serendipia]

 

Bath & Body Works recently found itself in hot water over its 'Snowed-In' candle design, which unintentionally evoked a dark chapter of American history. The candle’s snowflake cutouts bore an unsettling resemblance to the infamous hoods worn by the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), a white supremacist terrorist group—a connection that quickly caught the attention of sharp-eyed consumers.

 

 

 

 

 

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As images of the controversial candle circulated on social media, public outcry followed swiftly. Critics expressed concerns, demanding accountability from the company and urging immediate action. However, some individuals dismissed the backlash, arguing that the design was simply snowflakes and viewing the controversy as an overreaction. Despite these differing opinions, the pressure on the brand continued to mount.

In response to the public reaction, Bath & Body Works swiftly removed the candle from store shelves and issued a public apology. The company expressed regret for any offense caused, emphasizing that the resemblance was purely unintentional. “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 company stated.

 

This isn’t the first time Bath & Body Works has faced criticism for cultural insensitivity. Two years ago, the brand was criticized for its Black History Month campaign, where everyday products were repackaged as “limited edition” items. Many found the move tone-deaf, accusing the company of capitalizing on the occasion without showing genuine cultural awareness.

 

These incidents highlight the importance of cultural sensitivity in design and marketing. They also demonstrate the power of social media in holding brands accountable for their actions. As Bath & Body Works reflects on this misstep and works to avoid similar mistakes in the future, the situation serves as a reminder that even small design choices can significantly impact public perception and trust.

 

• https://www.tmz.com/2024/10/10/bath-and-body-works-apologizes-kkk-hoods-design/
• https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/bath-body-works-apologizes-candle-kkk-hood-rcna175067
• https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/bath-body-works-apology-kkk-hood-candle-b2628105.html

 

Image: Manuel Esteban | Dreamstime.com