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After 'Monkey Hoodie' Incident, H&M Hires Diversity Leader

The Swedish retailer has appointed a diversity leader, after having been accused of racism over an ad showing a black child dressed in a hoodie reading "coolest monkey in the jungle."
H&M offended shoppers when a children’s hoodie emblazoned with the phrase “coolest monkey in the jungle” was modelled in marketing materials by a young black boy | Source: Courtesy
By
  • Associated Press

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — Swedish low-cost fashion brand H&M says it has appointed a diversity leader after having been accused of racism over an ad showing a black child dressed in a hoodie reading "coolest monkey in the jungle."

H&M said late Tuesday on its Facebook page that the group's "commitment to addressing diversity and inclusiveness is genuine, therefore we have appointed a global leader, in this area, to drive our work forward."

The Stockholm-based clothing retailer reiterated that "the recent incident was entirely unintentional" but "demonstrates so clearly how big our responsibility is as a global brand."

NBA star LeBron James and rapper Diddy were among those who had responded with outrage to the ad. American rappers The Weeknd and G-Eazy cancelled a partnership with H&M.

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