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Walmart ‘Naughty Leopard’ Toddler Halloween Costume Outrages Parents
What’s in a name? According to outraged Walmart shoppers, a whole lot! When concerned parents found a children’s Halloween costume called ‘Naughty Leopard’ branded for toddlers, a heated debate started about its suggestive name. What do YOU think?
With Halloween quickly approaching, many parents are scoping out the best costumes for their little ones. Some parents were shocked when they discovered a children’s costume at Walmart called “Naughty Leopard Costume,” that was specifically branded for toddlers. While there is nothing over-sexualized about the actual garment, the name upset so many shoppers.
Walmart Naughty Leopard Costume — Halloween Toddler Outfit Outrages Parents
The frilly purple costume features a dress with a full tutu- like skirt and cat ears. The actual costume is not suggestive or sexualized, but according many offended shoppers, the name has different connotations.
Walmart took customers’ complaints seriously. “It was never our intention to offend anyone and we apologize to any customers who may have been offended by the name of the costume,” Walmart spokeswoman Danit Marquardt told KATU, and explained that the costume was being pulled from the store’s shelves.
The costume’s name was changed online following the public’s issue with the name: it was rebranded the much less controversial “Leopard Child Halloween Costume.” The costume was then taken off the site completely.
Parents & Walmart Shoppers Debate Costume On Twitter
Twitter users couldn’t believe the name of the costume — or the following controversy. Parents, young teens, and concerned citizens debated the costume’s name on Twitter.
@magicofpi tweeted:
Walmart hits a new low with its “naughty leopard” costume for toddlers http://t.co/j6OzYFDhYb
— Ryan Catalani (@magicofpi) September 25, 2013
@JoelCHoffmann tweeted:
“Naughty” leopard costumes for toddlers? Gross. Haven’t seen anything this bad since the pleather skirts at Gap Kids. http://t.co/st88Vtww3H
— Joel Hoffmann (@JoelCHoffmann) September 25, 2013
@Randomdeadhead made fun of the situation:
Just bought my niece a ‘Naughty Leopard’ costume. Candy should come easy this year.
— Random (@Randomdeadhead) October 2, 2013
@lapeculiaruno thought the costume was extreme:
That time when Walmart tried to sexualize toddlers by having a naughty leopard costume on sale for them. What kind of predator mess is that?
— ☯ (@lapeculiaruno) October 2, 2013
Some tweeters didn’t think the costume’s name was such a big deal. @KayleyM115 pointed out:
There was an upset that Walmart carries a “naughty leopard” costume for toddler girls? Do people forget that “naughty” isn’t always sexual?
— Kayley Marie (@KayleyM115) October 2, 2013
What do YOU think, HollywoodLifers? Do you think the costume was inappropriate, or was it just a name?
— Kristine Hope Kowalski
