British retailer Matalan has hit back at claims of racism after two black children were used to model monkey onesies in the company’s catalogue.
In a shoot published by the chain and also used on the website, the youngsters are seen as part of a group of children, all modelling different animal outfits.
The shoot sparked an angry reaction from some customers, who took to social media to make their feelings known.
Did no-one in the Matalan advertising team think to say ‘Mmm maybe it’s not a good idea to dress the black child as a monkey’
— LukAttar (@DarknLurvely) September 29, 2014
“LOOK: Matalan use black children to model monkey outfits. Is this racist? http://t.co/l1ickrXgns pic.twitter.com/taSOps4aYc” YES it is
— Machiavelli (@NotYourMate) September 29, 2014
matalan dressing the ONLY black child model in their shoot in the monkey onesie, IS racism. that’s all.
— COUNTESS WILDER. (@stannigrace_) September 29, 2014
However many others believe that the outcry is political correctness gone too far. The company have defended the shoot, telling ITV News that the children chose the outfits themselves. They added that it is “very sad that some people have turned this into a race issue.”
“We regularly work with the two boys and they chose the outfits they wanted to wear, as did all the other children on the shoot.”
“Their parents were with them the whole time and they all really enjoyed the day.
“It is very sad that some people have turned this into a race issue.”
The onesie is listed on the retailers website as a Boys Novelty Monkey Sherpa Fleece Onesie. The description for the item reads: “Monkey around in style with the boys sherpa fleece onesie in brown. The onesie features a monkey design with a light brown panel on the middle and face embroidery on the hood and feet.”
