Old Navy responds to racist trolls for an ad with an interracial couple

by Jordan Valinsky

Some online trolls, being trolls, are finding this Old Navy tweet upsetting:

Most sane people in 2016 would see little more in this ad than a wholesome image of a good-looking family. But then, this is the internet we’re talking about. Reaction to the promotional tweet got really ugly, really quickly. 

Here’s a sample (prepare to feel triggered as much as they do — except for a different reason):

After the initial wave of racist tweets subsided, people began to rally around the brand and praising Old Navy for its inclusiveness.

Grace Mahary, the model in the ad, posted on Instagram a response, writing: “In light of the controversy revolving around my pretend family… I am proud to be representing interracial love, multiculturalism, and most importantly, a mentality that supports opportunity for all ethnicities.”

An Old Navy spokeswoman told Digiday that “everyone is welcome” and that the brand has “a proud history of championing diversity and inclusion.”

The brouhaha comes a month after Old Navy’s sister brand Gap found itself accused of racism for an ad many thought had questionable subtext.

Image via Shutterstock.

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