The Weeknd, 'deeply offended' by H&M ad of black child, cuts ties with retailer

Canadian R&B star The Weeknd says he's cutting ties with H&M after being "deeply offended" by an ad for the retailer showing a black child in a hoodie bearing the phrase "Coolest monkey in the jungle."

The Toronto performer noted online he was "shocked" by the ad, which prompted him to end his partnership with the multinational company. 

The singer-songwriter, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, previously teamed up with the Swedish fast-fashion retailer to release special edition menswear collections. 

NBA star LeBron James, rapper Diddy and other artists have also responded with outrage to the image. James posted a refreshed image showing the model wearing a crown. Diddy posted an image with a sweatshirt revised to read "Coolest king in the world."  

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CBC News