BACKLASH

H&M Stores Ransacked by Protesters in South Africa Over 'Racist' Ad

Protesters tore down shop displays and threw merchandise around in six different stores.

At least six H&M stores in South Africa were ransacked by protesters on Saturday over a “racist” advertisement that has provoked worldwide outrage. Activists from the Economic Freedom Fighters group tore down shop displays and scattered clothing around the stores, police said. Officers reportedly fired rubber bullets in at least one instance to disperse the mobs. A spokesman for the EFF called for “consequences” against the Swedish retailer despite its recent apology for the ad, which featured a black child wearing a “coolest monkey in the jungle” sweatshirt. H&M South Africa issued a statement saying it was “deeply sorry” for the ad, which the company quickly pulled from all marketing materials. Police said they are closely monitoring the protests but have not yet made any arrests.