Amazon, Target and Walmart have removed a controversial Halloween costume from their websites following criticism that it resembled uniforms worn by German soldiers during World War II.
The costume, produced by Orion Costumes and marketed as the “German Army Soldier Adult Costume,” included a jacket, trousers with attached boot covers, a belt and a hat.
Critics on social media said the outfit appeared similar to uniforms worn by German soldiers during World War II.
The costume’s now-removed Amazon listing described it as a “1940s” military outfit.
“If you’re looking for a vintage style look for your next fancy dress night, why not try a 1940s theme?” the description said.
It also said the costume would have wearers looking “prim and proper” and listed among its features an “authentic 1940s military style with period-accurate details.”
While links to the costume still appear in some Google search results, the product pages on Amazon, Target and Walmart were no longer available as of Thursday.
A Walmart spokesperson said in a statement to NBC via email:
“We expect all items sold by third-party sellers on our site to meet our policies and standards. When violations are detected, we take swift action, including removal of listings, to maintain a trustworthy experience for our customers.”
Amazon, Target and Orion Costumes did not respond to requests for comment as of publication.
The removal comes days after Target apologized and pulled a children’s Halloween costume from its website following criticism that it evoked racist blackface caricatures.
The clown costume, sold as the “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume,” featured a Black child model wearing an orange-and-black outfit and a mask with an exaggerated smile and miniature top hat.
Critics said the costume and the child’s pose resembled racist caricatures associated with Jim Crow-era minstrel shows.
“As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry,” Target said in a statement at the time. “The costume is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment.”
The company also said the costume was “especially hurtful for our Black guests, team members and partners.”
Halloween costumes have long been a fraught segment for retailers with past controversies including an Anne Frank children’s costume and a Cecil the Lion Killer costume, among others.
