Forever21 removes photos of white model in ‘Wakanda Forever’ sweater after backlash

Retailer Forever21 has removed an image of a white model wearing a “Wakanda Forever” sweater after receiving backlash on social media.

The sweater pays homage to the blockbuster hit “Black Panther,” which was widely celebrated for its depiction of a black superhero and the fictional African nation of Wakanda. The film is the first Marvel Studios project to feature a predominantly black cast.

{mosads}The clothing company pulled the image featuring the model from the sweater’s sale page on its website and deleted a tweet with the image.

Forever21 also apologized in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, saying they take feedback on products and marketing “extremely seriously.”

“We celebrate all superheroes with many different models of various ethnicities and apologize if the photo in question was offensive in any way,” the company said.

The decision comes after social media users blasted Forever21 for using a white model to sell the sweater.

“Hey @Forever21, in what universe did You think it was ok to feature a white model In Wakanda gear?” wrote one Twitter user. “Granted, chances are you knew it wasn’t ok, but still.”

“Not even Wakanda can escape gentrification,” wrote another.

Hey @Forever21, In What Universe Did You Think It Was Ok To Feature A White Model In Wakanda Gear? Granted, Chances Are You Knew It Wasn’t Ok, But Still. As A Former #21Men Brand Specialist For The Company, I’m Highly Offended.

— Mark-Paul (@WhoIsMarkPaul) December 18, 2018

Not even Wakanda can escape gentrification. @blavity @blackpanther @urbanintellectuals @forever21 #forever21 pic.twitter.com/XBwJyyUCk2

— Jesuorobo’s Thoughts (@Jesuorobo) December 18, 2018

Forever 21 knows exactly what they’re doing with that ghost in the shell man in the african kitty sweater and here ya’ll go given them the attention they want

— cultured butter bae (@jilleeann_) December 18, 2018

A Wakanda Forever Fair Isle knit sweater modeled by an Eminem lookalike just makes no sense whatsoever, and it’s insulting. @Forever21 is canceled

— felicia the critic (@felicianista) December 18, 2018

Some Twitter users pushed back on the complaints, saying that the model’s race shouldn’t matter. 

“White people being into Black Panther is… good for everybody?” wrote one person.

White people being into Black Panther is… good for everybody? https://t.co/p6cjy2tHQQ

— Chris Blair (@chrisbz) December 19, 2018

People got mad because Forever 21 had a white male wearing a wakanda forever sweater Y’all so aggravating and complain about everything. Like why can’t someone white be showcased wearing that ? Black panther is a marvel character created for any and everyone to enjoy RELAX

— The Phoenix (@lunaticshii) December 19, 2018