Walmart stops selling IDF and ‘Fagin nose’ Halloween costumes after criticism
A US Supermarket chain has stopped selling a kids Israeli army outfit and a ‘Sheikh Fagin nose’ for Halloween, following a stream of criticism.
Walmart priced the ‘Israeli Solider Costume for Kids’ at $27.44 (£17.90), including a shirt bearing hebrew writing, trousers, a belt and hat, for customers ahead of Halloween this Saturday.
The costume was sold at a reduced price, saving over $30 dollars, with a description online: “When Halloween time rolls around, make this item part of your child’s complete ensemble.”
But it caused controversy, as social media users reacted with anger, accusing the supermarket of “supporting the killing and occupation of innocent children.”
Many posted on Walmart’s Facebook to show their disagreement, with some even calling for a ‘Walmart boycott.’
A user on Twitter wrote: “Dress your kid like a terrorist this Halloween”, whilst another said “Might as well sell a Hitler outfit for children as well!” according to the Independent.
Walmart was also criticised for selling an accessory by Morris Costumes called ‘Arab “Sheik Fagin nose”‘.
Priced at $9.52, it features a “latex prosthetic nose perfect for an Arab Sheik”, which was branded as racist by numerous users on Twitter.
This was labelled as anti-Semitic by some users on social media, for referring to the character – Fagin, in the Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist, which allegedly plays on anti-Semitic stereotypes.
Walmart have not yet responded with a comment, but have removed both items from their website.
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