Photo credit: Getty/Forever 21

From Cosmopolitan

There’s no doubt that Marvel’s Black Panther-the second mainstream superhero movie featuring a black hero-was monumental for black America and was a celebration of black excellence. So when Forever 21 decided to use a white model to sell a “Wakanda Forever” sweater, people were understandably upset.

Here’s a photo of the model wearing a sweater with a slogan for the fictional Sub-Saharan African country of Wakanda, the home of the Black Panther.

Photo credit: Forever 21

After the company tweeted a link with a picture of the model, Twitter was quick to tell them it was incredibly tone-deaf.

How tone deaf do you have to be to choose this model for that sweater? Do better white people! - So tired (@Iammo_25) December 18, 2018

Hey @Forever21, In What Universe Did You Think It Was Ok To Feature A White Model In Wakanda Gear? Granted, Chances Are You Knew It Wasn't Ok, But Still. As A Former #21Men Brand Specialist For The Company, I'm Highly Offended. - Mark-Paul (@WhoIsMarkPaul) December 18, 2018

Of course, there are some people who think there’s nothing wrong with using a white model to sell the sweater. Plus, some were way more upset because they didn’t like the design. One user wrote, “It’s dope that after years of black kids wearing Superman and a host of white heroes, a black hero is right there in the mix.”

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Soooooo...it doesn’t bother me that a white person is wearing that Wakanda Forever sweater. I think it’s dope that after years of black kids wearing superman and a host of white heroes, a black hero is right there in the mix. - Melanie Dione (@themelaniedione) December 19, 2018

It bothers me that the sweater is ugly AF. And I know it’s an ugly sweater, but what are those colors? A black, purple, and gold combo would have been just fine. - Melanie Dione (@themelaniedione) December 19, 2018

Forever 21 clearly heard about the controversy because it has since issued an apology. As the clothing company of your high school days removed the photo from its site, it issued a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. The brand said, “Forever 21 takes feedback on our products and marketing extremely seriously. We celebrate all superheroes with many different models of various ethnicities and apologize if the photo in question was offensive in any way.”

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