Since the incident, the company has made a concerted effort to change their corporate narrative and create a more diverse and inclusive organization. In early 2018, the company found itself facing criticism when an image of a young Black boy wearing a sweatshirt that read “Coolest Monkey in the Jungle” went viral. In an official response to Essence, H&M shared that “the school aged kids who model for us come to the photo studio in the afternoon after school and we aim for a natural look which reflects that.” This isn’t the first time that the retail giant has been embroiled in controversy. Celebrity hairstylist Vernon Francois responded to the ad, indicating that H&M may have intentionally allowed the young model’s hair to be uncombed and Francois’ response garnered a lot of commentary. The ad featured a young Black girl with a hairstyle that some deemed as inappropriate, messy, and unkempt. The retailer says it’s dealing with an extremely serious, sensitive and volatile situation and will provide further updates at a later stage.Ī number of H&M stores in Gauteng were ransacked during the EFF supporters' demonstrations.Fashion retailer H&M has again found itself in hot water after their ad for a printed hoodie sweatshirt went viral. “We’ve demanded H&M that they must come and sit with us. The retailer issued a statement apologising for the poorly judged product and image.ĮFF Cape Metro regional cluster head Banzi Dambuza says he’s expecting to discuss transformation related issues during Wednesday's meeting. #EFF #H&M A group of EFF supporters earlier protested at the V&A Waterfront’s H&M store against an ad using a black child to model a hoodie with the slogan “coolest monkey in the jungle” - KB /Pt2X6LpzVT- EWN Reporter January 13, 2018 H&M stores locally have been temporarily closed following the incident on Saturday.ĮFF supporters protesting at the V&A Waterfront have refused to accept an apology issued by the H&M group. The ad appeared on the British version of the retailer's online store. They demonstrated against a marketing campaign featuring a black boy modelling a hoodie with the slogan “coolest monkey in the jungle”. CAPE TOWN - Provincial Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leaders are expecting to meet with H&M store management this week to discuss issues relating to an offensive advertisement.Ī group of party supporters protested at H&M stores at the V&A Waterfront and Canal Walk on Saturday.

H and m ad controversial