When you're shopping for a Halloween costume, you're probably looking for something that falls into one of few categories: scary, super-cute or possibly even sexy. The one label most women are not seeking: fat girl.
But for some reason retail giant Wal-Mart chose those very words to describe their selection of plus-size costumes for women on its website.
As you'd expect, shoppers of all shapes and sizes took to social media to demand an explanation.
Wal-Mart spokesman Ravi Jariwala told Business Insider:
This never should have been on our site. It is unacceptable, and we apologize. We are working to remove it as soon as possible and ensure this never happens again.
But how did that happen in the first place is what we'd like to know?
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.@Walmart Not sure labeling these as "Fat Girl Costumes" is the best approach. #rudehttp://t.co/UbDq6BpArvpic.twitter.com/SE5BjOUPFs
— Kristyn Washburn (@ItsWithaY) October 21, 2014
Did employees at Wal-Mart really think ANY woman would actually look for costumes using those search terms? Seems pretty unlikely!
And sure, Halloween is a food-centric holiday but this isn't the first time this season an international corporation has basically told women they need to slim down and stay in shape in a not-so-subtle fashion.
Subway began running commercials last month that suggest ladies eat light so they can fit into their costumes -- and from the scantily clad babes featured in the ads, these were no "fat girl costumes."
It would still be completely unacceptable if there were a corresponding "fat boys costumes" section or a sandwich maker aimed its "keep fit for your slutty costume" ads at men, but at least then you could say they were being universally offensive.
Do you find this offensive?
Image © Marcel Steger/Corbis