NEW YORK — Bath and Body Works has stopped selling a candle that was emblazoned with a winter theme that many commenters online compared to a Ku Klux Klan hood.
The candle’s label, called “Snowed In,” was decorated with a stylized paper snowflake. But many people on social media compared it to the hoods and robes worn by Klansmembers. The KKK is the one of the “oldest and most infamous” hate groups in the United States, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. The Anti-Defamation League says that the imagery of the KKK hood itself has become a hate symbol.
The candle's label was compared to Ku Klux Klan hoods, prompting Bath and Body Works to pull it from shelves.
The candle has since been pulled from Bath and Body Works’ website and retail locations, with the company telling CNN in a statement its design was “unintentional.”
“At Bath and Body Works, we are committed to listening to our teams and customers, and committed to fixing any mistakes we make-even those that are unintentional like this one,” a spokesperson said. “We apologize to anyone we’ve offended and are swiftly working to have this item removed and are evaluating our process going forward.”
Commenters on Reddit jumped on the design choice, calling it a “klandle” or a “Klan Krismas Kandle.” Some people who tried ordering the candle after the controversy erupted late last week said on social media that their orders had been canceled.
The canceled candle has appeared on eBay, however, with one person attempting to sell the candle for $350. The company did not respond to a request for comment.
Candles are a staple of Bath and Body Works’ collection, which has evolved beyond soaps and lotions. Every year, the retailer rolls out its collection of holiday-scented candles that amount to nearly 40% of its annual sales, according to an analyst.
5 fall-scented candles to celebrate the start of autumn
1. Voluspa Spiced Pumpkin Latte Candle
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This 16.5-ounce candle from Voluspa smells like a pumpkin spice latte, with notes of pumpkin, vanilla, marshmallow, coconut, and cinnamon. The coconut wax candle lasts for 60 hours of burn time.
Buy it here: Voluspa Spiced Pumpkin Latte Candle, $52
2. Homesick Autumn Hayride Candle
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Homesick is known for nailing specific, nostalgic scents, and this candle will take you back to childhood fall hayrides. The Autumn Hayride scent has notes of fresh hay, amber, clove, nutmeg, birch, maple bark, tonka, patchouli, and oakmoss. The 13.75-ounce candle burns for 60 to 80 hours.
Buy it here: Homesick Autumn Hayride Candle, $30
3. LA JOLIE MUSE Pumpkin Chai Scented Candle
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This spicy pumpkin chai candle has a comforting autumn-inspired scent, and comes in a pretty decorative jar. The 8.1-ounce candle has a 45 to 44 hour burn time, and the wax is vegan and paraben-free.
Buy it here: LA JOLIE MUSE Pumpkin Chai Scented Candle, $19
4. Capri Blue Apple Cider Social Candle
Capri Blue might be best known for their Volcano scented candle, but the brand also perfectly captures the smell of fall with this Apple Cider Social candle. The 8-ounce candle has a 40 hour burn time, with warm notes of crisp apple, cinnamon, pear, clove, and nutmeg. The ombre glass candle holder makes it a great decorative addition to holiday centerpieces.
Buy it here: Capri Blue Apple Cider Social Candle, $28
5. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Fall Leaves Candle
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This woody, lightly sweet soy wax candle from Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day smells like autumn leaves. The 7.2-ounce candle has a 35-hour burn time and a long-lingering scent after each use.
Buy it here: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Fall Leaves Candle, $20
