Gucci have released a statement after they were slammed for releasing a jumper that ‘resembled blackface.’
The Italian brand designed the “balaclava jumper”, which featured a cut-out at the mouth and red lips but Twitter users were quick to slam the product.
One wrote: “Soo @gucci decided to make #BlackFace the in thing so wypepo can wear blackface unapologetically with no backlash. Like let’s cut out the middle man (public apology) but it’s the thing to do.”
Another Twitter user wrote: “BAN @gucci THIS IS BLACKFACE.”
Soo @gucci decided to make #BlackFace the in thing so wypepo can wear blackface unapologetically with no backlash ????. Like let’s cut out the middle man (public apology) but it’s the thing to do pic.twitter.com/l74xbQe6Jp
— imjushereforthefunny (@MrsKimNay) February 7, 2019
The fashion brand has since issued an apology ‘for the offense’ caused and removed the item from its stores and website, they tweeted: “Gucci deeply apologizes for the offense caused by the wool balaclava jumper.”
“We can confirm that the item has been immediately removed from our online store and all physical stores.”
“We consider diversity to be a fundamental value to be fully upheld, respected, and at the forefront of every decision we make.”
“We are fully committed to increasing diversity throughout our organisation and turning this incident into a powerful learning moment for the Gucci team and beyond.”
Gucci deeply apologizes for the offense caused by the wool balaclava jumper.
We consider diversity to be a fundamental value to be fully upheld, respected, and at the forefront of every decision we make.
Full statement below. pic.twitter.com/P2iXL9uOhs— gucci (@gucci) February 7, 2019
