Outwear label Moncler is getting dragged for their new collection. The brand recently launched a new collaboration with art collective Friends With You, which includes coats and bags baring images resembling the blackface figures seen in minstrel shows.

Carli Knox: Instagram | Twitter

The image that is being questioned is called “Malfi” and is seen on jackets, shirts and bags in that specific collection. The collection features other cartoon like images including a smiling cloud and the iconic yellow smiley face. But the character “Malfi” is definitely has caused some controversy.

In the meantime, people have been fired up on social media regarding the new collection, shining a light on a painful history of the demeaning representation of Black people via blackface. Joe Budden took to Instagram and posted a picture with the caption

“Not sure if Moncler thought this was a great idea, if they’re that oblivious to the racist attacks our ppl have endured in recent years (& the other years too might I add), or if your company is letting its position be known loud & clear through subtext… Or maybe I’m just that paranoid, but either way, you have just lost 1.✌?”

Moncler has apologized and pulled the collection. Moncler posted to Instagram saying sorry to anyone that they offended.

We are so sorry for any offence caused by the use of the stylised face of the penguin character ‘Malfi’ on some items of clothing. Malfi the Penguin is one of a cast of characters created by artist duo FriendsWithYou whose message is first and foremost one of global friendship. We are deeply troubled if the face, seen out of its context, could be associated with past or present unacceptable, racially offensive caricatures. This could not have been further from our thinking and we unreservedly apologise for any distress that this may have caused.

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Source: Essence