Initially intended as a representation of a folded snowflake cutout, some individuals on social media have humorously labeled it the “Klandle” and “KKKandle” due to the shape of its white cutout design.

In a statement shared with YSL News, the company expressed remorse regarding the Snowed In three-wick candle: “At Bath & Body Works, we prioritize listening to our teams and customers and are committed to correcting any unintentional errors we make. We sincerely apologize to anyone we may have offended, and are quickly working to remove this item while we reassess our processes moving forward.”

Concerns about the candle emerged earlier this week after its holiday-themed design was revealed. Some found it reminiscent of the hoods worn by the Ku Klux Klan, a white supremacist group established in 1866 that saw a resurgence during the civil rights movement.

“Don’t be shocked if we don’t see this one in stores!” commented self-proclaimed “candle hoarder” @_scentsgalore on Instagram. “At first, I didn’t notice it, but now I can’t unsee it!”

Opinions among followers were mixed. One commenter stated, “Nobody noticed it because it’s just a paper snowflake. People are actively searching for things to be outraged about lol.”

Contrastingly, another user remarked, “Those saying they can’t see it are gaslighting. It’s right in front of you.”

A different commenter pointed out that both perspectives could be valid: “Being offended is subjective. Just because someone isn’t offended doesn’t mean others’ feelings aren’t legitimate!”

“Wow, Bath & Body Works really gave a new meaning to ‘White Christmas’,” remarked fashion and pop culture site Diet Prada on its Instagram.

On X, many users commented that the company might have avoided this issue had there been more diverse opinions involved in the approval process. One person noted, “If we saw it, I’m sure the folks at the company noticed it too.”

Bath & Body Works faces prior insensitivity issues

Two years ago, the personal care and fragrance retailer faced criticism for launching Black History Month products featuring Kente cloth designs, which many viewed as cultural appropriation.

“This was a missed opportunity to uplift the culture, instead of profiting from the Black community,” stated Shyriaka ‘Shy’ Morris, an artist from New Smyrna Beach, Florida, to The Daytona Beach News-Journal, part of the YSL News Network.