Bath & Body Works is under fire for a candle labeled "Snowed In," which critics claim resembles the hoods worn by members of the Ku Klux Klan. Following a significant outcry on social media, the retail chain has removed the candle from its website and retail locations.
In a statement sent to NBC News and other outlets, the company clarified that the design was not intended to evoke the KKK's attire. "At Bath & Body Works, we are committed to listening to our teams and customers and fixing any mistakes we make— even those that are unintentional like this one,” the statement read. The company expressed its regret for any offense caused and announced plans to evaluate its design process moving forward.
This incident is not the first time Bath & Body Works has faced criticism for its product offerings. In 2022, to celebrate Black History Month, the company released a product line featuring Kente cloth designs. While they partnered with organizations like the National Urban League for the campaign, the move was met with accusations of cultural appropriation. In response to the backlash, a spokesperson for Bath & Body Works emphasized the company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, announcing a $500,000 donation to support the National Urban League.
The recent candle controversy gained traction after a user posted an image of the "Snowed In" candle on a popular independent Reddit thread dedicated to Bath & Body Works, which has over 100,000 members. The post prompted 275 comments, with many expressing concern over the design's implications. Influencer @scentsgalore, who describes herself as a “candle-hoarder,” also criticized the candle on Instagram.
However, some commenters defended the product, arguing that the design was being misinterpreted. One individual wrote, “As an actual POC, a black woman, this is a reach. People are so soft and offended by everything these days. It looks like a school snowflake cutout. Stop the fake outrage.”
Bath & Body Works is now focused on addressing the feedback from its customers and ensuring its products align with community values.
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