Bath & Body Works recently pulled a controversial candle from its stores following backlash over its design. The candle, which featured a snowflake cutout, was criticized by online users who claimed the cutouts resembled the hoods worn by the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). While the design was meant to evoke a festive winter theme, the combination of the candle’s white color and pointed snowflake arms with circular cutouts led to unintended associations with the hate group’s imagery.
The controversy gained traction on social media platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), where users compared the candle to the KKK. One Reddit thread titled “KKKKandles” highlighted how the candlelight shining through the cutouts intensified the resemblance. In response, Bath & Body Works quickly removed the product from shelves and issued an apology. The company stated that the design resemblance was unintentional and expressed regret for any offense caused, emphasizing its commitment to listening to feedback and fixing mistakes.
This isn’t the first time Bath & Body Works faced criticism for its product designs. In the past, the brand came under fire for its Black History Month collection, which was accused of cultural appropriation due to its use of Kente cloth patterns. In this case, Bath & Body Works once again took swift action, acknowledging the issue and reevaluating its design process moving forward.
Despite being pulled from stores, the discontinued candle has become a collector’s item, with listings appearing on resale sites like eBay for as much as $350. The incident has sparked discussions about design oversight and cultural sensitivity, with mixed reactions ranging from criticism to defense of the brand.
