Supermarket chain Asda has withdrawn an item advertised online as a “mental patient fancy dress costume”, following a barrage of criticism.
The costume, which is designed to look like a blood-splattered straitjacket, was on sale for £20 through the supermarket’s clothing arm George.
Many people took to Twitter to express their disgust at the description, including former footballer Stan Collymore – who has suffered well-documented problems with depression.
He wrote: “Dear ASDA, nice stereotype of “Mental patients”. Something you’d expect from the ###. A f****** joke”.
“Do you actually realise how many people are hanging themselves because of being frightened of the stigma? Wording is CLEAR. MENTAL PATIENT.”
Charity Rethink Mental Illness posted on its Twitter account: “Hi @Asda please explain: ‘Everyone will be running away from you in fear in this mental patient fancy dress’.”
Former spin doctor Alistair Campbell also commented on the item on the social media website, writing: “Look what Asda’s selling… what possesses these people?”
And MP Mike Thornton tweeted: “This is unbelievable!!”
Asda was quick to react to the criticism by confirming the Halloween costume had been withdrawn from sale.
The chain posted on its own Twitter account: “We’re deeply sorry one of our fancy dress costumes has upset people. This was an unacceptable error – the product was withdrawn immediately.”
Asda added that: “We’d like to offer our sincere apologies for the offence it’s caused and will be making a sizeable donation to @MindCharity.”
Asda 'Mental Patient' Costume Withdrawn
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