Disney has been forced to pull a controversial children’s dress-up costume amid accusations of racism and cultural misappropriation.
The ‘Maui’ costume was released recently in conjunction with the forthcoming release of the movie Moana, which draws on Polynesian legend.
Maui, the character voiced by Dwayne Johnson, is a demi-god depicted as being covered in tattoos and dressed in a leaf-skirt.
The costume itself was created in the likeness of the character’s skin – complete with tattoos – with a built-in skirt.
Once the costume hit Disney stores around the world, it didn’t take long for people to share their anger and concern.
Indeed, Twitter was awash with criticism for the much-loved brand, with many comparing the costume to ‘blackface’.
“This is racist cultural misappropriation and must be withdrawn,” tweeted one angry critic, with another describing it as ‘equivalent to blackface’.
Disney issued a swift response, removing the costume from its stores and apologising profusely to those who took offence.
“The team behind Moana has taken great care to respect the culture of the Pacific Islands that inspired the film, and we regret that the Maui costume has offended some. We sincerely apologise and are pulling the costume from our website and stores,” a rep said.
Disney is trippin' selling a brown skin suit. Who approved, designed and thought of this?!? @Disney https://t.co/mIdQQZHKXp
— O.G. (@same0lg) September 18, 2016
i love moana but delete that maui costume @Disney yikes
— e•mi•l side b (@holypizzaground) September 19, 2016
VICTORY for Polynesians everywhere: that hideous Maui costume was officially pulled out of stores by Disney. #MyCultureIsNotACostume YASSSSS
— ♕ℓetonu (@unottonu) September 22, 2016
The move has been met with approval in the Twitter-sphere, with one user commenting: “Victory for Polynesians everywhere: that hideous Maui costume was officially pulled out of stores.”
What are your thoughts?
