H&M caused uproar when they insensitively had a black boy model a hoodie that read 'Coolest Monkey In The Jungle'. The Swedish clothing brand saw a strong social media backlash, and The Weeknd cut all ties with them following the photo.
woke up this morning shocked and embarrassed by this photo. i’m deeply offended and will not be working with @hm anymore... pic.twitter.com/P3023iYzAb
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) January 8, 2018
Some people wondered whether H&M had courted controversy deliberately. With other brands such as Dove coming under fire for racially insensitive campaigns, some think that brands may be using black outrage to boost publicity.
Black outrage is profitable for a lot of these brands
— UKafrolista (@UKafrolista) January 8, 2018
they know how easy it is to get black people upset
H&M eventually apologised and removed the photo from their websites. In their 'unequivocal' apology, the brand said: "We agree with all the criticism that this has generated - we have got this wrong and we agree that, even if unintentional, passive or casual racism needs to be eradicated wherever it exists."
They also removed the hoody from sale, saying that all items will be recycled.
But the story didn't end there. It's being reported that P Diddy, rapper and entrepreneur, wants to hire the boy who modelled the controversial hoodie to work for his clothing brand, Sean John.
And word is, he's offering him a $1million dollar contract.
Awe! Really loving P. Diddy! H&M exposed their RACISM against African/Black ppl last year. Wish we [African Black ppl] wld unite/Class Action lawsuits 4 EVERY INJUSTICE! Companies, cops, DA's, Judges...No entity r person gets a pass. #BlackFutureGenerations✊
— God's Creation (@AFRICAisMankind) January 10, 2018
Diddy and his people haven't confirmed the rumors yet, but he did post this photo on his Instagram. Instead of being reduced to an animal in the original ad, the model is elevated in this empowering illustration.
Maybe something good could come from this offensive episode.
At least you probably made this lil kid have a contract with P diddy soon .I heard 🤣👌🏽👍🏽✌🏽👏🏽 love that
— @joli_joolina_ptown (@GBJoliJoolinaGB) January 10, 2018
What do you think? Would P Diddy really offer a $1 million modelling contract? Let us in the comments.
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