Get over it: Child model mother joins H&M “racist” image debate

The mother of the child model at the centre of the H&M "racist" hoodie storm has told critics to "get over it".

The Swedish fashion retailer came under fire when an image of a black child in a top with the slogan "coolest monkey in the jungle" appeared on its website. A spokeswoman said: “This image has now been removed from all our channels and we apologise to anyone this may have offended.”

But the boy's mother, a Kenyan national living in Sweden, said in a social media post which has now been deleted: "Am the mum and this is one of hundreds of outfits my son has modelled... Stop crying Wolf all the time, unnecessary issue here... Get over it.” In another message, she commented: "That's my son.... av been to all photoshoots and this was not an exception, everyone is entitled to their opinion about this. I really don't understand but not coz am choosing not to but because it's not my way of thinking, sorry.”

Earlier this week, The Weeknd, severed ties with H&M. The Canadian singer and record producer, who has a clothing line with the retailer, tweeted: "Woke up this morning shocked and embarrassed by this photo. I'm deeply offended and will not be working with H&M anymore." He first teamed up with H&M in 2017, modelling in ad campaigns and collaborating on pieces for his XO brand. 

Meanwhile, basketball star LeBron James said: “@hm u got us all wrong! And we ain't going for it! Straight up! Enough about y'all and more of what I see when I look at this photo. I see a Young King!! The ruler of the world, an untouchable Force that can never be denied! We as African Americans will always have to break barriers, prove people wrong and work even harder to prove we belong but guess what, that's what we love because the benefits at the end of the road are so beautiful!! #LiveLaughLove❤️ #LoveMyPeople”.