BIG W issues apology and pulls Halloween costume after backlash

October 31, 2024 10:08

BIG W has issued an apology and pulled a particular Halloween costume following online backlash.

Earlier this week, Rachel Green, CEO of mental health organisation SANE, took to LinkedIn to criticize the BIG W and fellow Australian retailer, Spotlight, for selling an ‘Insane Asylum Costume’ made up of a white straightjacket.

“Living with mental health issues isn’t a halloween costume. Please do better and pull these products from sale,” Green wrote.

In a statement given to Mumbrella, a BIG W spokesperson confirmed that the product – which was available online only via its third party seller BIG W Market website – has been removed.

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Neil Griffiths

Neil Griffiths is the Managing Editor of Mumbrella. He joined the company in October 2023.