Bill Donohue comments on the way Walmart is responding to complaints about its Halloween wear:
“Fat Girl Costumes” sold by Walmart were the subject of a deep apology and a pledge to rid the store’s inventory of such demeaning garb. Yesterday, when Catholics who are on our news release list complained to Walmart about three offensive Catholic costumes—a Virgin Mary with blood dripping from her eyes, a nun outfit with a skeleton head, and a costume that mocks the confessional—they got a different response.
“We apologize if we offended you. Because we have multiple buyers of customers, we try to provide them with plenty of options. However, we have documented your concern in order to improve our inventory at Walmart.com and in stores.”
Here is what Walmart said about its “Fat Girl Costumes” earlier in the week: “This never should have been on our site. It is unacceptable, and we apologize. We are working to remove it as soon as possible and ensure this never happens again.”
In other words, when plus-size women are offended, it demands an unequivocal response and the offensive item is withdrawn. When Catholics are offended, the apology extends only to the complainant, and nothing is done about it. That’s because Walmart wants to give its “multiple buyers” the “option” of purchasing a grotesque costume that demeans Jesus’ mother.
This is not the first time we have experienced Walmart’s corporate arrogance. With the busiest shopping days of the year upon us, we hope Catholics look elsewhere this Christmas season.
Contact: help@walmart.com
