By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Bath & Body Works is facing backlash after releasing its holiday themed “Snowed In” candle, which some social media users claim resembles imagery associated with the Ku Klux Klan. The Columbus-based retailer swiftly apologized and announced it would be removing the candle from shelves.
The controversy erupted when a Reddit user posted an image of the candle featuring a close-up snowflake design set against a maroon background. Although intended as a winter motif, some users noted a striking resemblance to the pointed hoods associated with the KKK, leading to terms like “klandle” and “KKKandle” circulating online. “I know it’s one of those paper snowflakes, but I can’t be the only one who sees ‘it,’ right?” asked the Reddit user. The post quickly gained traction, with users on platforms like X questioning how the design passed quality checks. “Wait, how did nobody at Bath & Body Works clock the klandle?” one user exclaimed.
In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for Bath & Body Works stated, “We are committed to listening to our customers and to addressing mistakes, even those that are unintentional. We apologize to anyone we’ve offended and are working to remove this item from our stores while evaluating our process going forward.”
While some criticized the oversight as insensitive, others dismissed the controversy, arguing that society is becoming overly sensitive. “This isn’t just a branding mistake; it’s a reminder of how sensitive cultural symbols can be,” commented one user. Meanwhile, another argued, “People see ‘racism’ in everything nowadays.”
This incident is not Bath & Body Works’ first brush with controversy. In 2022, the company faced criticism for a Black History Month collection featuring kente-cloth-inspired packaging, some considered cultural appropriation. Bath & Body Works, which became an independent public company in 2021 and operates over 1,850 locations across the U.S. and Canada, reported $7.4 billion in revenue last year. “Let’s hope they take this as a lesson in awareness and responsibility,” one user noted.
