Walmart will stop selling “All Lives Matter” merchandise on its website, a phrase that is typically used to counter Black Lives Matter protesters, for taking focus away from the “painful reality of racial inequity.”
The retailer said the items, which are sold by third-party retailers, would be removed “indefinitely,” according to USA Today.
“We fundamentally believe all lives do matter and every individual deserves respect,” Walmart said in a statement to the outlet. “However, as we listened, we came to understand that the way some, but not all, people are using the phrase ‘All Lives Matter’ in the current environment intentionally minimized the focus on the painful reality of racial inequity.”
The company reportedly said the decision was made after hearing from some employees and customers who were concerned about the meaning behind the merchandise.
Walmart faced backlash on social media over selling merchandise with the phrase.
A spokesperson for Walmart was not immediately available for comment to The Hill.
The decision was made as companies grapple with calls from activists amid nationwide protests over police brutality and racial inequality. The protests were sparked by the death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man who was killed after a now-former Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
Last week, Walmart said it would no longer display the Mississippi state flag “in its current form.” The state’s current flag includes the Confederate battle flag.
However, Mississippi state lawmakers voted on Sunday to remove the Confederate emblem from its flag, and Gov. Tate Reeves (R) said he will sign any flag legislation that reaches his desk.