Disney has pulled a controversial “Moana” costume after many consumers complained of cultural insensitivity on social media.
A Disney spokesperson told TheWrap, “The team behind ‘Moana’ has taken great care to respect the cultures of the Pacific Islands that inspired the film, and we regret that the Maui costume has offended some. We sincerely apologize and are pulling the costume from our website and stores.”
The costume is patterned after Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s character in the upcoming animated film, which follows a Polynesian God named Maui. His grass skirt and traditional tattoos were adapted to the costume, prompting many to blast the company for promoting brownface and not respecting the tattoos that are sacred in Polynesian culture.
Dear #Disney , our brown skin is not a costume. Get outta here with that crap. Sincerely, a furious brown skinned Pacific Islander. #Moana
— Taina Talei (@tainatalei) September 19, 2016
cosplaying things like moana is one thing – cosplay shouldn't be limited to what ur race is. but literally wearing a brown skin costume? no
— hannah ⚡️ (@troiaas) September 19, 2016
https://t.co/VW1c2003JX Dear @Disney this is cultural appropriation. & my culture is not a costume.
— Keakeake (@8keakeake) September 18, 2016
Got my Moana Halloween costume from @Disney! Going as "Someone Who Appropriates Different Cultures in an Uncomfortable Way"! pic.twitter.com/KaxQfgyV54
— Benjamin Siemon (@BenjaminJS) September 19, 2016
https://twitter.com/kellydavisnaea/status/777885914148122624
The Disney film tells the story of Moana (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho), a young girl who wants to prove to her people that she can be a master wayfinder. She sets out with Maui on a quest for a mystical island and to find herself.
The cast also features the voices of Alan Tudyk and Phillipa Soo. Ron Clements and John Musker co-directed. They also worked on the screenplay along with Taika Waititi, Jared Bush and Pamela Ribbon. John Lasseter executive produced with Osnat Shurer producing.
“Moana” sails into theaters on Nov. 23.