H&M pulls range of socks over pattern that resembles Arabic word for Allah

Lego workman holding a jackhammer resembles arabic script for Allah when upside down
H&M was forced to pull a range of Lego-themed socks from its shelves
Ella Wills30 January 2018

Swedish fashion giant H&M has been forced to recall a range of socks after pattern on them appeared to resemble the word Allah, according to reports.

The image was intended to look like a Lego workman holding a jackhammer, but customers are said to have complained the image appeared to resemble the Arabic word when the socks were upside down.

The retailer insisted the similarity was "entirely coincidental" and apologised for any offence caused.

A spokesman for H&M said: “At H&M we always aim to offer products that we believe our customers will appreciate.

The pattern on the socks was said to resemble the word Allah in Arabic
john1cse/Pixabay

"The print on this sock represents a Lego figurine, any other meaning is entirely coincidental and we apologise if this motif has offended anyone.”

It is the latest controversy to hit the retailer in recent weeks after it featured an advert showing a young black model wearing a hoodie with the words: "Coolest monkey in the jungle."

The image sparked global backlash, with many branding the advert as "offensive" and "racist".

Singer The Weeknd said he would no longer work with the company, saying he was "shocked and embarrassed" by the photo.

H&M apologised to anyone who may have been offended and removed the image from its website.

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