An African American doll wearing a hat with the words “Lil Monkey” on the front has been pulled off Costco shelves after several people complained that it’s racially offensive. The doll, called “Cuddle with Me,” is manufactured by a company called BrassKey Keepsakes and includes a stuffed monkey and other accessories in it’s packaging. The headband is what has people upset and wondering how the chain could have allowed such a thing to slip through the cracks.

According to Costco representatives, it was a Greensboro, NC customer who filed complaints about the offensive doll which caused the company to pull the product from stores. Costco corporate employees also say that a chain letter demanding the stores remove “product number 404860″ also prompted the company to take action.

Costco’s Vice President of General Administration, Arthur Jackson said, “We offer our sincere apology to anyone who was offended by the product. That was surely never our intent.”

Mary Gustaff, CEO of BrassKey Keepsakes, said the company offers a sincere apology to customers.

“It’s so unfortunate because now it’s being portrayed as a purposeful act to be disrespectful and that’s not true. We really apologize,” said Gustaff.  When asked if she thought the dolls could be viewed as offensive, Gustaff responded: “We don’t think in that way. We don’t operate in that kind of thinking. We have a really diverse family-operated company that’s been around for 28 years. What would we have to gain for heaven’s sake?”

Costco said all versions of the doll have been returned to the vendor.

(source 1 and 2)

Comparing African-Americans to monkeys is a racist comment. I don’t care how you try to spin it. Peep this to refresh your memory: WTF?! ~ Racist Obama T-Shirts Sold in GA Bar

Do you feel this was an simply innocent occurrence or could it be sending a subliminal message to our young Black kids?