On Wednesday, February 6th, Gucci publicly apologized for releasing a turtleneck sweater that many people said resembles blackface. The turtleneck is attached to a knitted black mask with red lips around the mouth hole and is said to look similar to racist figures meant to dehumanize black people.

Many black social media users took to Twitter to express their disapproval of Gucci’s sweater. Some users pointed out their disappointment by bringing up the timing of this incident, and others sarcastically wished the community a “Happy Black History Month.” 

Film producer and social media personality, Tariq Nasheed was one of the many that shared their thoughts on the matter to Twitter. “So @Gucci puts out a sweater that looks like blackface….. On Black History Month…. And then issues an apology because they didn’t know that blackface images are racist.”

Gucci “deeply apologizes for the offenses caused by the wool balaclava jumper” and has since then discontinued the piece. 

“We consider diversity to be a fundamental value to be fully upheld, respected, and at the forefront of every decision we make. We are fully committed to increasing diversity throughout our organization and turning this incident into a peaceful learning moment for the Gucci team and beyond.” Gucci posted on Twitter. 

This is not the first time a popular company released a controversial and racially offensive item. Recently, Adidas has faced backlash for releasing an all white sneaker called “Uncaged” in celebration of Black History Month.