Popular Retailer Faces Backlash Over Candle Design Controversy

white candle with a white flower laying next to it

Bath and Body Works faces backlash over a winter candle design resembling KKK hoods, prompting a swift apology and product removal.

At a Glance

Bath and Body Works apologized for a candle design resembling Ku Klux Klan hoods
The “Snowed In” candle was intended to depict a paper snowflake but drew criticism
The company is removing the product from stores and online platforms
Bath and Body Works is reviewing internal processes to prevent similar issues

Controversial Candle Design Sparks Outrage

Bath and Body Works, a popular retailer known for its fragrances and home decor items, has found itself at the center of controversy over a winter-themed candle. The product, named “Snowed In,” was intended to showcase a festive paper snowflake design. However, the candle’s appearance drew immediate criticism from consumers who noticed an unsettling resemblance to the hoods worn by members of the Ku Klux Klan, a notorious hate group.

The incident quickly gained traction on social media platforms, with users expressing their shock and disappointment. On the Bath and Body Works subreddit, a thread titled “KKKKandles” emerged, highlighting the severity of the design flaw. The company’s X (formerly Twitter) account was inundated with messages from concerned customers questioning how such a design could have been approved for production.

A Bath and Body Works candle is creating quite the controversy.

It has a label "snowed in" and is decorated with a paper snowflake – But many say it looks like the hoods and robes worn by Ku Klux Klan members.

https://t.co/CFxb6jVSNC

— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) October 14, 2024

Swift Response and Public Apology

In response to the mounting criticism, Bath and Body Works took swift action. The company removed the controversial candle from its website and brick-and-mortar stores. A public apology was issued, emphasizing that the resemblance to KKK hoods was entirely unintentional. The retailer stated, “We are removing the product from our stores and online. We apologize to our customers for any offense caused by this product.”

Bath and Body Works also underscored its commitment to listening to customer feedback and rectifying mistakes. The company announced it would be evaluating its design process to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. This incident has prompted a broader discussion about the importance of diverse perspectives in product design and approval processes.

Bath & Body Works apologizes for candle after alleged likeness to Ku Klux Klan hood stirs controversy https://t.co/Wd2JN2FgKf

— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) October 13, 2024

Historical Context and Sensitivity

The Ku Klux Klan, recognized as America’s oldest hate group, has a long and violent history, particularly against Black Americans following the Civil War. The group’s distinctive hooded attire has become a widely recognized symbol of hate and white supremacy. This historical context amplifies the gravity of the design oversight and underscores the need for heightened awareness in product development.

While some defenders of the candle argued that it was simply a poorly executed snowflake design without racist intent, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity in consumer products. Companies must be vigilant in considering how their products might be perceived across diverse communities and historical contexts.

Moving Forward: Lessons Learned

This is not the first time Bath and Body Works has faced criticism over cultural insensitivity. In 2022, the company encountered backlash for a product line featuring Kente cloth designs, which some viewed as cultural appropriation. In response to that incident, Bath and Body Works partnered with the National Urban League and made a $500,000 donation to support non-profits.

The recent candle controversy underscores the ongoing need for companies to prioritize diversity and inclusion in their design and approval processes. As Bath and Body Works reviews its internal procedures, the incident serves as a cautionary tale for other retailers about the potential consequences of overlooking cultural sensitivities in product design.

Bath and Body Works Apologizes for Controversial Candle Design After Critics Compare It to Ku Klux Klan Hoods https://t.co/R33YGaS7F4

— People (@people) October 14, 2024

As the company works to rebuild trust with its customer base, the incident highlights the broader conversation about corporate responsibility and the importance of fostering inclusive environments that can identify and prevent such oversights before they reach consumers.