So, what really happened to Bath and Body Works “Klandle”?

After an early attempt to get into the vacation spirit failed, Bath and Body Works has issued an apology for the possibly offensive design. Recently, this popular personal care brand received an enormous boost when consumers noticed the packaging design of one among its products the brand new Christmas candles resembled Ku Klux Klan hoods.

Although the “Snowed In” candle label was designed to resemble the paper cut-out snowflakes often made by school children, the snowflake’s white cone-shaped outer edges, each with two holes in the middle, have led to comparisons with the KKK. Reminiscent of the white hoods ubiquitous amongst members of one among the oldest and most infamous hate groups within the United States, social media users named the candle “Klandle”. After further consideration, that Anti-Defamation League referred to images of KKK hoods as a logo of hate, users were particularly outraged that the brand released a candle design.

“Definitely not malicious, but clearly an unfortunate oversight in graphic design,” one TikTok user commented. “Like no one squinted and said, ‘Wait’???”

“Honey, they DID NOT make it this time,” added one other.

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In the wake of the gaffe, many users highlighted how the error might have been avoided while questioning the racial diversity within the brand’s decision-making ranks. In a press release to CNNa Bath and Body Works spokesperson revealed that the design was “unintentional” and has since been faraway from the corporate’s website and retail stores.

“At Bath and Body Works, we listen to the feedback of our teams and customers and correct any mistakes we make – even unintentional ones like this,” an organization representative said. “We apologize to anyone we have offended and are working quickly to remove this item as we evaluate our next process.”

This is not the primary time Bath and Body Works has been criticized for its product packaging. In 2022 social media users criticized the brand for adding traditional African Kente patterns to existing fragrances in celebration of Black History Month.

“Why do I think Bath and Body Works have a new scent and it’s the same scent but in kente colors,” wrote a user on X.

Bath and Body Works has reportedly canceled pre-orders for its controversial “Snowed In” candle.