Bath & Body Works forced to apologize for selling candle compared to infamous hoods

Bath & Body Works recently faced backlash after releasing a holiday candle design that critics said resembled symbols linked to the Ku Klux Klan. The candle, named “Snowed In,” featured a decorative paper snowflake. However, many people claimed that the design reminded them of the Klan’s hoods, causing a storm of controversy.

Candle Design Sparks Debate

The “Snowed In” candle had a snowflake design on its label, but this image didn’t sit well with everyone. Some observers noticed that part of the snowflake looked like two eye holes, creating a strong visual link to the hoods worn by KKK members. This observation triggered negative reactions online.

A critic on Reddit commented, “Of all the ‘paper snowflake’ designs to choose from, they picked this one? I made plenty of paper snowflakes as a child, and none of them had two eye holes.” Others joined in on social media platforms, either supporting or opposing the criticism.

Mixed Reactions From the Public

While some people saw an issue, others didn’t think the candle design was problematic. A few even mentioned that they saw different things in the design. For instance, some said it looked more like little aliens rather than anything offensive.

One Instagram user defended the design, writing, “Stop with your ignorance! This is just a paper cut-out candle. Please stop!” Meanwhile, another person tried to explain it as an oversight by saying, “To be fair, as a graphic artist, they probably didn’t notice after cropping the image.”

But despite these differing views, many couldn’t ignore the resemblance to the Klan’s hoods. This growing pressure eventually pushed Bath & Body Works to remove the candle from both their website and stores.

Bath & Body Works needs to fire all the people who approved this candle artwork 🤦🏻‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/jkHpVtN503

— Ash (@ash_like_whoa) October 8, 2024

Social Media Users Raise Concerns

Several Instagram users expressed their anger, insisting the design wasn’t accidental. One person bluntly posted, “This wasn’t a mistake.” Another commenter highlighted the importance of diversity in decision-making roles, saying, “This is reason number 100000000 why you need BIPOC people in business, sitting at the table, reviewing, and making decisions.”

Bath & Body Works Responds

Faced with the uproar, Bath & Body Works issued a statement to CNN. They apologized for the design and explained that it was not intended to offend anyone. A spokesperson for the company said, “At Bath & Body Works, we are dedicated to listening to both our teams and customers. We are also committed to correcting any mistakes we make—even if they are unintentional, like this one.”

They went on to apologize to anyone who felt hurt by the design. The company also assured customers that they were working quickly to remove the candle from all stores and online platforms. Additionally, Bath & Body Works mentioned they would be reviewing their processes to prevent similar issues in the future.

Past Controversies Surrounding Bath & Body Works

This isn’t the first time Bath & Body Works has found itself at the center of controversy. Just two years ago, in 2022, the company was accused of cultural appropriation. This occurred when they partnered with the National Urban League and released a product line for Black History Month.

The line featured products packaged with designs inspired by African art, which led to mixed reactions. Some people appreciated the attempt to celebrate Black history, but others felt the effort was shallow or performative.

Winifred Johnson, an assistant professor of history at Bethune-Cookman University, commented on the matter in an interview with The News-Journal. She said, “A true effort to promote economic empowerment would involve partnering with real African or African-American artists to create the packaging or advertisements. Even better, they could sell or feature products made by these artists—like oils, candles, lotions, and textiles—either in their stores or on their website.”

This event stirred discussions about how corporations should handle cultural representation in their branding and product lines. Many felt that Bath & Body Works had good intentions, but they missed the mark when it came to fully engaging with the communities they were trying to celebrate.

Ongoing Conversations About Representation

The latest incident with the “Snowed In” candle continues the conversation around representation and decision-making in businesses. Many social media users emphasized that having diverse perspectives in a company could help avoid situations like this one. When people from different backgrounds are involved in reviewing products, potential issues can be identified early on, preventing controversies from erupting later.

The backlash against Bath & Body Works highlights the importance of sensitivity and awareness in design choices. While the company quickly responded by removing the product and apologizing, the situation serves as a reminder that companies need to be more thoughtful about how their products and marketing might be perceived by different audiences.

What do you think about Bath & Body Works’ “Snowed In” candle design? Share your thoughts in the comments below!