Nationwide — Bath & Body Works has found itself in hot water after a recent product release sparked outrage for being racially insensitive. The company is now working to remove a holiday candle from its shelves, following criticism that its design resembles the hoods worn by the Ku Klux Klan. The candle, part of their “Snowed In” scent line, featured a snowflake design set against a red background, which went viral after social media users on X (formerly Twitter) noted its similarity to the infamous white hoods with pointed tops and small holes.The backlash was swift, with many calling for the product to be canceled and for those responsible to be fired. Bath & Body Works quickly recognized the severity of the situation and issued an apology, acknowledging the unintended offense caused by the design.
A company spokesperson explained, “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. We apologize to anyone we’ve offended and are swiftly working to have this item removed and are evaluating our process going forward.”
This isn’t the first time Bath & Body Works has been criticized for cultural insensitivity. Just two years ago, the brand faced backlash during Black History Month for repackaging everyday products and marketing them as “limited edition” items with little regard for their cultural significance. The campaign was seen by many as a tone-deaf attempt to capitalize on the month’s importance, leading to widespread criticism.
These incidents highlight the growing need for companies to be more culturally aware and thoughtful when designing and marketing their products. As Bath & Body Works navigates this latest controversy, the brand is being reminded of the importance of inclusivity and sensitivity in its branding.