Bath & Body Works, the US retail chain, has apologised after critics argued that its festive candle design resembles uniforms worn by the Ku Klux Klan.
The North American cosmetics retailer had launched a limited edition scented candle called Snowed In featuring a paper snowflake on the packaging.
But the new product went viral on social media after consumers compared the design to the white hoods and robes worn by the American white supremacist group.
Some TikTok posts highlighting the blunder have been viewed nearly one million times and the launch has sparked debate on X, formerly known as Twitter, and Reddit.
One Reddit user posted an image in an independent thread dedicated to Bath & Body Works, which has more than 100,000 members, and said: "I know it's one of those paper snowflakes, but I can't be the only one who sees 'it,' right....RIGHT??"
The post generated nearly 300 comments.
Social media users have also dubbed the candle as the 'klandle' or the 'Klan Krismas Kandle'.
However, others have argued that the design looks like aliens or a nostalgic Christmas decoration created by children.
Following the outcry, Bath & Body Works has removed the candle from its bricks-and-mortar shops and online store.
"At Bath & Body Works, we are committed to listening to our teams and customers, and committed to fixing any mistakes we make – even those that are unintentional like this one,” the retailer said in an emailed statement to several news outlets.
“We apologise to anyone we’ve offended and are swiftly working to have this item removed and are evaluating our process going forward.”Despite the product being pulled from shelves, the candle is now being sold on eBay for US$375.
Similar festive candles are typically sold for $26 on bathandbodyworks.com.