Bath & Body Works has issued an apology for selling a candle that drew comparisons to Ku Klux Klan imagery.
The winter-themed candle, called “Snowed In,” featured a paper snowflake with diamond shapes that have pointed tops and two holes cut out where eyes could be, resembling the hoods worn by KKK members.
The company has stopped selling the candle both online and at retail locations. In a statement released by Bath & Body Works to several news outlets, the company says the design was unintentional.
“At Bath & 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,” the company said in the emailed statement.
The Ku Klux Klan is the oldest hate group in the United States, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. Though they are considered the most “well known,” there are dozens of hate groups operating here in Ohio, where Bath & Body Works is based.
The Anti-Defamation League considers the image of the KKK hood to be a hate symbol, stating that “the image of a hooded Klansman has become a popular hate symbol itself, displayed on t-shirts and tattoos by white supremacists around the world.”
The company has offered an apology for any offense they have caused with the candle.
“We apologize to anyone we’ve offended and are swiftly working to have this item removed and are evaluating our process going forward,” they said in a statement.
