Fashion retailer H&M has come in for enormous criticism over the last 24 hours after being accused of racism.
The company unveiled a new promo image depicting a black child wearing a hoodie with the slogan 'Coolest monkey in the jungle', leading many people to speak out about the appalling racial undertones of the image and why it was allowed to run in the first place.
One of them is Coachella headliner The Weeknd, whose XO fashion line has been sold in the retailer. He has also modelled for the company in the past. He said that he was 'deeply offended' and would 'not be working' with H&M in the future.
woke up this morning shocked and embarrassed by this photo. i’m deeply offended and will not be working with @hm anymore... pic.twitter.com/P3023iYzAb
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) January 8, 2018
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Other celebs and musicians who have ties to the company include Justin Bieber, whose 'Purpose' range of leisurewear went on sale last year. He has not commented on the matter.
H&M, meanwhile, issued a statement saying "This image has now been removed from all H&M channels and we apologize to anyone this may have offended."
