After backlash, Disney removes ‘Maui’ costume from stores
The organization apologized for a promotional costume that members of the Polynesian and native Hawaiian community deemed offensive. Here’s a roundup of reactions.
Disney has pulled a Halloween costume from shelves after some groups complained that it was racist.
The “Maui Costume for Kids” costume was part of a promotion for Disney’s upcoming animated film starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson—”Moana.” The costume is named for Johnson’s character, whose name is Maui.
The outfit is essentially a brown-skinned body suit with tribal tattoos, long hair, a feather skirt and a necklace.
Tweets played a role in the company’s decision to remove the costume from stores:
I was excited for a film which represented pasifika culture but Disney selling brown skin as merch is racist and disgusting #DecolonizeMoana
— danika (@lovatoreguii) September 20, 2016
this ðð½morningðð½ in ðð½dumb ðð½things. really, who (from Disney) thought a “brown skin” costume would be a Good Thing? https://t.co/dARZqhnwqF
— Kat Chow (@katchow) September 20, 2016
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