Bath & Body Works recently found itself in hot water after releasing a winter-themed candle called “Snowed In” that customers claimed bore an unfortunate resemblance to Ku Klux Klan hoods. Following backlash, the company swiftly pulled the candle from its shelves and issued a public apology.
In a statement to CNN, a spokesperson for Bath & Body Works acknowledged the issue and expressed regret for the oversight, saying, “At Bath and Body Works, 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.”
The candle, part of a limited-edition winter collection, featured a label with a stylized snowflake design that some social media users thought resembled the white hoods worn by members of the KKK. Commenters quickly dubbed the item a “klandle,” sparking a viral response. In addition to removing the product from its website and stores, Bath & Body Works also canceled orders that had already been placed for the candle.
Despite the swift removal, the “Snowed In” candle has already begun popping up on secondary markets. Some sellers on eBay are listing the product for as much as $170, capitalizing on the controversy and scarcity. While the company’s response has been largely viewed as appropriate, the incident underscores the sensitivity surrounding brand design choices, especially when they inadvertently evoke offensive imagery.
The uproar over the candle illustrates the powerful role that symbolism plays in consumer culture today. The Ku Klux Klan’s hoods and robes are among the most recognized symbols of hate in the United States, as highlighted by organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Defamation League. According to the ADL, the hood itself has long been a hate symbol, and even unintended references can be highly offensive to the public.
In the wake of the controversy, Bath & Body Works has promised to evaluate its design processes to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The company’s quick response suggests a proactive approach to customer feedback, although the gaffe has already raised questions about how such products make it to shelves in the first place. For now, Bath & Body Works is left to pick up the pieces and assure customers that it’s taking steps to be more mindful of potential cultural sensitivities moving forward.
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