Cotton On poster furore
Shock product promotes ‘satanic ritual abuse’
GEELONG-BASED company Cotton On has been forced to pull products that are accused of promoting “satanic ritual abuse”.
Cotton On’s Typo stores and retailer Jay Jays faced a barrage of criticism over the designs.
The products – including two T-shirts at Jay Jays and a poster at Typo – appeared to display satanic rituals.
One shirt featured a picture of a young girl holding a knife about to stab a boy lying down with the text “Let’s Sacrifice Toby”, while the other portrayed a seance-like rite.
The material, which critics claim attempted to “normalise horrific crimes against children”, has prompted a state government MP to call for more action to be taken to scrutinise consumer goods.
Victorian Justice Party leader Stuart Grimley said “additional checks and balances” needed to be immediately implemented to stop offensive and distasteful material.
“There needs to be better systems in place by our major retailers,” Mr Grimley said.
“There needs to be a bit of extra thought when it comes to selling items to consumers, especially kids.
“It’s not only inappropriate for children to wear and be exposed to but it’s insensitive to those who have experienced ritual abuse.”
Mr Grimley said he was shocked by the content of the material, which had been targeted towards children and teenagers.
“As a father of two teenagers, I don’t really think it’s appropriate to be selling T-shirts which depict children seances and killing their friends,” he said.
“On what planet is this OK? This is not cancel culture – I’d ask parents to think about their kids wearing gross images like this across their chest.”
A petition, which has since attracted almost 2000 signatures, was launched to call on Jay Jays to immediately stop selling “offensive and sick” Tshirts.
A Cotton On spokeswoman said a decision was made to remove the product immediately from all stores and online globally. “Upon reflection, this poster should never have been included in the range,” she said.
“This collaboration was meant to be funny, tongue-incheek, but never offensive, nor contrary to our values.
“We’re disappointed this has happened and apologise for the oversight, as it was never our intention.”
It’s not the first time the Cotton On company has come under fire for stocking controversial products.
In 2015 its subsidiary Facto
rie was caught selling bells that promoted “quickie” sex, while its Typo outlets were found to be stocking books designed to conceal hip flasks, for a “sneaky drink”.
Repeated requests for comment from the Just Group – which owns Jay Jays – went unanswered.