Chinese retailer Shein apologises for selling Muslim prayer rugs as decorative mats
Online retailer Shein came under massive scrutiny past weekend after a post about them selling Muslim prayer mats as decorative rugs went viral.
Taking to social media, many consumers expressed their distaste, claiming that they were disgusted at the religious insensitivity and horrified that the seller was profiting off selling holy mats as "fringe trim Greek fret carpets" despite them having a picture of the Holy Kabah and mosques on them.
And they're repeat offenders!
Following the backlash, the brand took the listings off their website and followed with a public apology on Instagram, stating that it was allegedly an oversight on their part.
"To our community - we made a serious mistake recently by selling prayer mats as decorative rugs on our site. We understand this was a highly offensive oversight and are truly sorry," the note read. "Since it was brought to our attention, we immediately removed the products from our website and asked our vendor to stop selling to others."
The brand also agreed to rectify its mistake by informing consumers that they found a "product review committee" with staff from "different cultures and religions" to make sure this doesn't happen again.
"As a global brand, we vow to do much better in educating ourselves on different cultures, religions and traditions to ensure our diverse community is respected and honored. We offer our sincerest apologies to all whom we have hurt and offended and hope we can earn your forgiveness."
Already feeling bad for members of this product review committee who will keep having to explain and dissect cultural appropriation for their employers (and probably still not get through).
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