Tesco apologises as mum expresses her disgust at 'racist' T-shirt which features a black mermaid with 'too fluffy' hair
A mother-of-two was left horrified after finding a T-shirt in Tesco which described a black mermaid's hair as 'too fluffy' while out shopping with her children on Friday.
Katie Wells, from Dover, Kent, told how the T-shirt, which was on sale at the Whitfield branch, featured a snap of the mermaid from popular children's book 'That's Not My Mermaid,' alongside a caption which read: 'her hair is too fluffy'.
'We were walking down the main middle aisle and we saw the set from a distance,' said Katie, speaking to Kent Live. 'I got excited because diversity in clothing is particularly rare.
'I read the text on the shirt and was really shocked. It's not something any child should read on a t-shirt, and it perpetuates a stereotype - it's racism.
Katie Wells, from Dover, Kent, was left horrified after finding a T-shirt (pictured) in Tesco which described a black mermaid's hair as 'too fluffy' while out shopping with her children on Friday
The book, which is written by Fiona Watt and illustrated by Rachel Wells, is on sale via Amazon and is in bookshops - and Tesco has since apologised and vowed never to buy the design again.
It is part of Usbourne's 'touchy-feely' book range, where children can run their fingers along some of the mermaids' features, in this instance, her hair.
Taking to Twitter, one person penned: 'I know it's based on a book but is this really something your company should be selling especially during this current time please tell us what's wrong with fluffy hair.'
A second added: 'Please explain what's wrong with the BLACK mermaid's fluffy hair??'
The book (pictured), which is written by Fiona Watt and illustrated by Rachel Wells, is on sale via Amazon and is in bookshops - and Tesco has since apologised and vowed never to buy the design again
Some took to Twitter to express their views on the matter, with one writing: 'Tesco, please explain what's wrong with the BLACK mermaid's fluffy hair' (pictured)
Katie told the publication: 'Tesco needs to do better. They clearly need to diversify their purchasing team and be aware of this.
'It is not a new issue, especially with all that has been in the media recently, ignorance is not an excuse anymore. It makes me feel so sad and angry that this is how black children are growing up.
'All children deserve to see themselves in children's clothing, books and toys so that they know they are valued and celebrated. Bigger retailers like Tesco have the power to make these things happen, so why aren't they?
'It is not acceptable and I would like them to remove this T-shirt from sale in all of their stores.'
A Tesco spokesperson told FEMAIL: 'We remain absolutely committed to ensuring that Tesco is a place where everybody is welcome and apologise for any offence caused. We will not be purchasing any more orders of this product.'
