Dove apologises for 'racist' whitewashing ad, social media won't accept

The brand admits the ad missed a spot. "An image we recently posted on Facebook missed the mark in representing women of color thoughtfully. We deeply regret the offense it caused," Dove said in its apology statement on Twitter.

“This did not represent the diversity of real beauty which is something Dove is passionate about and is core to our beliefs‚ and it should not have happened. We have removed the post and have not published any other content. We do not condone any activity or imagery that insults any audience. Our richness lies in our diversity. Our beauty comes in different shapes‚ sizes‚ hair textures and skin tones. We believe beauty is diverse and diversity is beautiful,” as shared on Dove's Facebook page.

In addition to this, Sibonile Dube, Unilever's corporate affairs director for Southern Africa, explained that they intended to convey that Dove body wash is for every woman, and admits that they got it wrong. "We are truly sorry for the offence that it has caused. We absolutely do not condone any activity or imagery that insults anyone. Dove’s mission is to create a world where beauty is a source of confidence, not anxiety. That means showing love and respect for our diversity – our many shapes, sizes, hair textures and skin tones. We believe beauty is diverse and diversity is beautiful. While we hope this helps to explain what happened, we know it does not make up for the offence caused. This should not have happened and we are re-evaluating our internal processes for creating and approving content to prevent us making this type of mistake in future."

South African television host Khanyi Mbau defends the ad, initially applauding their bravery and later stating on Instagram that after watching the full advert, she felt that people needed to “chill” and not take it so personally:

Woza la, wena Dove ������!! I can imagine the trouble Dove got in.. in the hard world ������ must applaud their bravery.. https://t.co/zbVSIx66Ak

— KHANYI MBAU (@MbauReloaded) October 8, 2017

Found the full version of this interesting ad that had the whole world in a rage... sadly we all saw the first part of it in a form of a still picture.. now that the full version is out.. your thoughts.. personally I think we all need to chill! Everything has become personal!!! Seriously people... not everything is about getting the black man!!

A post shared by Khanyi Mbau METANOIA (@mbaureloaded) on Oct 9, 2017 at 1:43am PDT

— Verashni Pillay (@verashni) October 9, 2017

As for the black lady in the @Dove ad. I would love to know how she was briefed about her role. #DoveAd

one of these is from 2017 right? they all look the same to me. #DoneWithDove #Boycottdove #DoveAd #dove pic.twitter.com/ozS3zjP1ZQ

For more:

• Dove in hot water over ‘racist’ advert
• 'Racist' Dove ad causes outrage on social media
• #Dove advert blunder is 'no surprise'
• We all need to chill -Khanyi defends 'racist' Dove advert
• Dove on racist advert: we missed the mark
  
• Dove admits it ‘missed the mark’ with whitewashing ad