Disney pulls Moana 'brown skin' costume amid racist claims

Disney is set to release "Moana" on November 23, 2016, but it wanted to cash in on Halloween costumes -- too hastily it seems.

Source: Disneystore.com

Disney released the Moana costume last weekend on its online store. The costume is that of Maui, a demigod in Polynesian mythology. In the Disney animated film, Maui is voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Although Disney has featured brown-skinned people in its films before (think “Pocahontas”), it has not released a costume in which 'brown skin' itself is depicted as part of the costume.

The costume’s description reads, “Your little one will set off on adventures in this Maui Costume featuring the demigod’s signature tattoos, rope necklace and island-style skirt. Plus, padded arms and legs for mighty stature!”

Accompanying the description is a photograph of a young boy, who has brown skin, wearing the costume. (See above).

Source: Disneystore.com

Unsurprisingly, there was immediate outrage and backlash across social media. Disney pulled the costume from its website and stores.

Disney pulled a boy's costume for a Polynesian character some Pacific Islanders have compared to blackface. https://t.co/Rg7l6sh6zL

— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) September 22, 2016

Dear #Disney , our brown skin is not a costume. Get outta here with that crap. Sincerely, a furious brown skinned Pacific Islander. #Moana

— taleifiji (@TaleiFiji) September 19, 2016

My daughter's culture is not a costume. I feel stupid for ever expecting @Disney to get it right. #NoHope #Moana https://t.co/fema9cj8gL

— Michelle Blau (@MichelleEBlau) September 21, 2016

If you don't see the issue with the #Moana #costume you're part of the problem. @Disney @DisneyMoana

— Pua (@Tita_Moke) September 19, 2016

Was Disney right to pull the 'brown skin' Maui costume?