LeBron James and Diddy join criticism of H&M over ‘racist’ sweatshirt ad

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

• Retailer H&M is under fire for an ad that used a black child in a sweatshirt that reads “coolest monkey in the jungle.”
• H&M has apologized for the advertisement.
• LeBron James and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs are among those who have criticized the ad.

LONDON (AP) — NBA star LeBron James, rapper Diddy and other artists have responded with outrage to an advertising image by retailer H&M showing a black child in a sweatshirt with the words “Coolest monkey in the jungle.”

The retailer has apologized and removed the image, but not before the ad was widely challenged Tuesday on social media as being racist and inappropriate.

Here is the advertisement:

H&M and XIBash/Twitter

Diddy posted an image with a sweatshirt revised to read “Coolest king in the world.”

James posted a refreshed image showing the model wearing a crown.

Instagram/LeBron James

Belgian professional footballer Romelu Lukaku also posted an altered version of the sweatshirt to Instagram.

Instagram/Romelu Lukaku

Singer The Weeknd, who has a clothing line at the retailer, says he was “shocked and embarrassed” by the photo and that he would end his ties with the company.

The Swedish-based company says it is sorry the image was taken.