(RNS) Urban Outfitters has pulled a new duvet cover featuring Lord Ganesh after an outcry from some Hindus.
The cover depicted the elephant-head Hindu deity who symbolizes wisdom. It was only available online and was sold for $129-$169. Now, the webpage is saying it is “sold out.”
In a statement issued Monday (July 14), Urban Outfitters confirmed that the item was pulled.
“It was never the intention for this item nor any of the items we carry that feature illustrations of Lord Ganesha to offend our customers,” the company said in a statement. “We are supporters of Valentina Ramos’s unique and uplifting illustrations and this item, to us, was another example of her beautiful work. Though Lord Ganesha merchandise is popular within the market we understand the sensitivities certain items may carry.”
The clothing and furnishing chain will continue selling other Lord Ganesh items, including tapestries and wall art.
Rajan Zed, a Hindu activist from Nevada and president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, spearheaded the protest, saying the duvet cover was “highly inappropriate.” He said he was upset that it took the company almost two weeks to respond to the issue.
“You can put him in a frame and on the wall. That is fine,” Zed said in an earlier interview. “But not to be put on the bed, on which you lie and your feet will go on. That is very inappropriate.”
Zed also directed a protest in December 2013 to remove Lord Ganesh socks from stores. Urban Outfitters responded quickly that time, pulling the item and issuing an apology.
Urban Outfitters has used religious symbols on merchandise before, upsetting other religious groups. In 2012, the company sold a shirt that resembled the yellow Star of David patch that Jews were forced to wear in Nazi Germany. In March the retailer was asked to remove a shirt that said “Jesus, I’m Drunk” with a picture of Jesus holding a beer.
Hoping to avoid this problem in the future, Zed wants senior executives from Urban Outfitters and other corporations to go to training in religious and cultural sensitivity.
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