Gap Apologizes For Controversial Gap Kids Ad

Gap was forced to apologize for a Gap Kids ad that sparked controversy online this week.

Gap Kids Ad

In the Gap Kids ad in question (pictured above), four girls ranging from ages 8 to 12 are pictured in various poses. Though the point of the ad was to empower young women, some people online were upset by the fact that the lone African American girl in the ad appeared to serve as an armrest for one of the taller white girls.

@GapKids Thanks for perfectly illustrating what ‘passive racism’ looks like in mainstream media. #DiversiryFail She is NOT your arm rest. ?

— Jasmine Wow (@Jmo120) April 3, 2016

@GapKids proving girls can do anything… unless she’s Black. Then all she can do is bear the weight of White girls. #EpicFail

— Fatima La’Juan Muse (@TheTherapyDiva) April 2, 2016

Due to the Internet outrage, Gap issued an apology.

“As a brand with a proud 46-year history of championing diversity and inclusivity, we appreciate the conversation that has taken place and are sorry to anyone we’ve offended,” company spokesperson Debbie Felix said in a statement released to the New York Daily News. “This GapKids campaign highlights true stories of talented girls who are celebrating creative self-expression and sharing their messages of empowerment.”

The statement continued, “We are replacing the image with a different shot from the campaign, which encourages girls (and boys) everywhere to be themselves and feel pride in what makes them unique.”

The new Gap Kids ad campaign features Ellen DeGeneres as well as members of dance group Le Petit Cirque, which prides itself on its humanitarian work. The ad campaign also came with a video of the girls talking to DeGeneres and showing off some of their dance moves.