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Ramesh Kumar
Ramesh Kumar· 8 years ago
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H&M Monkey Sweatshirt Controversy Mistake or PR Stunt?

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Answered on05/12/26

The H&M controversy started when a Black child model was featured wearing a hoodie with the phrase “Coolest Monkey in the Jungle.” Many people around the world criticized the ad and called it racially insensitive because of the historical racist use of the word “monkey” against Black people. Celebrities and social media users reacted strongly, and H&M eventually apologized and removed the product.

Some people believed it was simply a careless mistake, while others thought the company should have noticed the issue before publishing the campaign. The controversy became a huge example of how brands can face global backlash within hours because of social media reactions and cultural sensitivity issues.

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Pari Deshmukh
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Pari Deshmukh is a journalist with over 12 years of experience covering current affairs across print and digital media in India. She holds a Master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Pune University, bringing both academic grounding and extensive field experience to her reporting. Over her career, Pari has reported on national politics, policy developments, social issues, and breaking news events across India. Her work has appeared on platforms including The Print, Scroll.in, and Hindustan Times Digital, where she has built a reputation for factual, balanced, and timely reporting on stories that shape public discourse. With 12+ years in the field, she has covered major national events, conducted ground-level investigations, and interviewed policymakers, civil society leaders, and public figures. Her journalism is driven by one standard — verified facts reported without distortion, regardless of the pressure or pace of the news cycle. She has participated in press panels at the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards and is a member of the Press Club of India. Her reporting continues to serve readers who need current affairs coverage they can trust.

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Replying to the question above
Updated on12/29/25

I think it was a completely honest mistake. The biggest problem isn’t in their campaign. The fact is that we’re turning into a sensitive bunch of people who take offence in anything and everything in the name of “racism” and “diversity”. When was the last time did you see a unique and “not conventional” ad campaign that didn’t stir controversy on racism and feminism.

What happened is H&M, a Sweden based clothing retailer, showed a black child in a sweater that said “coolest monkey in the jungle”. There was an outrage soon after with keyword warriors bashing the brand. Soon after H&M offered apology, adding, “We are reaching out to gather ideas, feedback, comments and observations from our staff, critics, experts, influencers and business partners. We are open to constructive thoughts to help us create a better future”.

Sadly, it didn’t stop there. Multiple reports started emerging in different countries of H&M stores being attacked. In Johannesburg, members of opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters vandalized the store in the Sandton City Mall for “racism” from the brand.

It’s *****. It’s plain *****!

The mistake was honest. I hardly think a brand would pull such things to get free promotion if it threats the boycott of its products and risks the safety of its employees.

It was a genuine mistake. And the campaign is now pulled. People should stop acting such sensitively. If this continues, every artist would think thousands of time when trying to be creative.

Prreeti Radhika Taneja
Prreeti Radhika Taneja
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