Walmart pulling Juneteenth themed products from shelves after social media backlash
Walmart released a statement apologizing for controversy over its Juneteenth products
Walmart is pulling Juneteenth-themed products from its shelves after receiving backlash on social media from users who suggested the company was attempting to profit off of the federal holiday.
Walmart received a negative response from many users on social media over products, including red velvet and cheesecake flavored ice cream, that came with a label saying, "Share and celebrate African-American culture, emancipation and enduring hope," KTBC-TV reported this week.
The ice cream was labeled in honor of Juneteenth, which celebrates the freeing of enslaved Black people after the Civil War. It was established as a federal holiday last year by President Joe Biden.
"Would you like some Juneteenth Ice cream on a Juneteenth plate as you sip your beer in a Juneteenth Koozie?" comedian Roy Wood Jr. posted on Twitter in response to the products.
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Other Twitter users posted photos of the ice cream, criticizing the retail giant for capitalizing on the holiday.
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In a statement to KTBC-TV, Walmart apologized for the products.
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"Juneteenth holiday marks a celebration of freedom and independence," the company said. "However, we received feedback that a few items caused concern for some of our customers and we sincerely apologize. We are reviewing our assortment and will remove items as appropriate."
Walmart did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
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Juneteenth will be celebrated this year on Sunday, June 19, and several cities across the country, including New York City, have recognized it as a paid federal holiday.