Controversial Incident at H&M Sparks Outrage Over Racial Profiling
A recent incident involving two Black girls at an H&M store has ignited significant controversy online. A video documenting the interaction went viral after being initially shared on TikTok, subsequently spreading across various social media platforms. The footage captures a store manager asserting that the girls would be refused service without providing any clear justification for her decision.
This troubling exchange began when the manager informed the girls that they were not welcome in the store, further exacerbating the situation by taking a piece of clothing from them. Despite the girls’ repeated inquiries about the rationale behind their ejection, the manager maintained that she had no obligation to explain her actions.
In a dismissive tone, the manager stated:
“We have the right to refuse service to anybody. So, I’m having the right to refuse service to you guys. I don’t have to have a reason. That is my reason. So, I’m just asking you guys to please leave the store today.”
The video fueled outrage among viewers, leading many to condemn the manager’s actions and call for a boycott of the store. On social media, users expressed their anger, with one commenting on X:
“If this is true, then this is the store we need to BOYCOTT.”
Another user echoed these sentiments, stating:
“Soooooo no more H&M tf Not everyone who’s black steals; a lot of us got money đ.”
“Y’all need to fire that lady,”another netizen urged, referencing the manager’s behavior.
Responses continued to flood in, with one user suggesting:
“I hope they sue them for everything they have! Make them racist pockets bleed.”
“Being openly racist like this in 2025 is insane,”commented another, reflecting widespread disbelief.
“My mom told me to stop going to H&M after that monkey thing,”remarked yet another user, referencing a prior controversy involving the brand.
H&M’s History of Racial Controversies
This incident is not H&M’s first brush with racial insensitivity. In January 2018, the brand faced severe backlash for an advertisement featuring a Black child wearing a hoodie that read, “COOLEST MONKEY IN THE JUNGLE.”This ad was met with outrage, leading to widespread condemnation and an apology from the retailer.
Reports from The Guardian at the time indicated that H&M acknowledged the cultural insensitivity of the advertisement, with critics labeling it “inappropriate, disgusting, and negligent.”
Labour MP Kate Osamor joined the chorus of dissent, tweeting:
“I was totally shocked, dismayed to say the very least, to find this online. H&M, do you think this imagery is an appropriate representation of a young Black boy?”
Following the uproar from the 2018 advertisement, H&M confirmed that the controversial image was removed from all channels and issued an apology. In August 2020, the retailer further found itself in hot water when several employees were suspended for using a racial slur to label a product.
H&M’s spokesperson at that time, Ulrika Isaksson, expressed regret over the incident involving the racial slur. However, regarding the recent viral incident, the company has yet to make an official statement.
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