H&M South Africa Issues Apology After Implying White Models Portray A More ‘Positive Image’

It’s interesting how race is still very influential in today’s society. This week H&M South Africa found themselves in serious damage control after the company tweeted a comment that insinuated that White models portray a more “positive image” for the brand.

H&M had just launched in South Africa when customers began to notice the lack of diversity in their campaigns, especially the absence of ZERO Black models. Customers took to twitter to hit up the company for some answers.

The company responded by saying, “H&M’s marketing has a major impact and it is essential for us to convey a positive image. We want our marketing to show fashion in an inspiring way, to convey a positive feeling.”

So basically they’re saying that only White models can portray fashion in an inspiring way!

Twitter immediately called out H&M for the dumb, discriminatory response.

The company has since attempted to explain their tweet.

“H&M regrets the response to a social media message that was recently aired on Twitter and wishes to clarify the intention of the message. In no way does H&M state that positivity is linked to an ethnic group. H&M is proudly a global brand that embraces all people who are inspired by fashion, regardless of ethnic background, gender or culture. We wish to apologize if our message has caused offense in any way, as this was not the intention.”

Roommates are you buying H&M’s apology?

H&M Apologizes For Implying White Models Convey A More “Positive Image”

 TSR Intern: Kyle Simpson: @Kyle.Simpson94