social media

LeBron James, Diddy Join Criticism of H&M Over Sweater Ad

The retailer has apologized and removed the image, but not before the ad was widely challenged Tuesday on social media as being racist and inappropriate

NBA star LeBron James, rapper Diddy and other artists have responded with outrage to an advertising image by retailer H&M showing a black child in a sweatshirt with the words "Coolest monkey in the jungle."

James posted a refreshed image on Instagram showing the model wearing a crown and blocked out the writing on the sweatshirt with a crown.

James, in part, wrote: "We as African Americans will always have to break barriers, prove people wrong and work even harder to prove we belong but guess what, that's what we love because the benefits at the end of the road are so beautiful!!"

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdtS

Diddy posted an image with a sweatshirt revised to read "Coolest king in the world." 

Diddy tweeted: "Put some respect on it!! When you look at us make sure you see royalty and super natural God sent glory!! Anything else is disrespectful."

The retailer has apologized and removed the image, but not before the ad was widely challenged Tuesday on social media as being racist and inappropriate.

Singer The Weeknd, who has a clothing line at the retailer, says he was "shocked and embarrassed" by the photo and that he would end his ties with the company.

The Swedish-based company says it is sorry the image was taken.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us