Dove apologized and pulled down an online soap ad in which a black woman pulled up her shirt to reveal a white redheaded woman underneath.
The ad, which has since been removed from Facebook, drew fire from beauty blogger and makeup artist Naythemua.
“An image we recently posted on Facebook missed the mark in representing women of color thoughtfully,” Dove tweeted on Saturday. “We deeply regret the offense it caused.
An image we recently posted on Facebook missed the mark in representing women of color thoughtfully. We deeply regret the offense it caused.
— Dove (@Dove) October 7, 2017
But the Twitterverse was not impressed, decrying the ad and the brand’s history of questionable marketing for its products.
“My being black is symbolic of dirt? This is pure racism,” one tweeted.
“I don’t understand how global brands like #Dove & #Pepsi can be making epic mistakes like this,” added another.
Is @Dove soap’s marketing strategy
Before – black & dirty
After – Caucasian & clean
Also *who* is approving these ads? pic.twitter.com/l5tq5ZcAJs— Megha Mohan (@meghamohan) October 8, 2017
We strongly condemn this racist campaign by @Dove & note with concern that this is not the first time they've been called out for racism. pic.twitter.com/28FEazUprx
— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) October 8, 2017
A complete historical view is always important. #Dove pic.twitter.com/1vAxvGy0bh
— Kristina Chäadé Dove?? she/her/Black Woman (@KristinaCDove) October 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/UKLionHeart247/status/917048327316877312
https://twitter.com/MayLerone/status/917047177767194624
#Dove Not new to controversial ads pic.twitter.com/rerRj85Kh4
— Kefilwe Dire (@mankefi) October 8, 2017
I don't understand how global brands like #Dove & #Pepsi can be making epic mistakes like this. Like for real who is on your team
— ? (@helensinnn) October 8, 2017