Target falsely claimed to sell Satan-themed items
- This article is more than one year old.
- Published on May 31, 2023 at 22:31
- 3 min read
- By AFP USA
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"#Target was selling this shit?!" says a May 25, 2023 tweet with a picture of an enamel pin of what appears to be a goat-like figure.
Text on the accessory says: "Satan respects pronouns."
Another tweet sharing a photo of the same phrase on a T-shirt says: "'Omg America is so polarized and that's why Target is getting boycotted.' This actually isn't a polarized issue. This is about not selling SATANIC merchandise to CHILDREN."
Similar claims of devil-themed merchandise spread across social media platforms. The posts come amid conservative backlash to Target's pride collection, which has inspired a slew of misinformation online.
Allegations of Satanic apparel and accessories are similarly false -- the retailer does not sell the items shown in the posts.
Erik Carnell, the British artist behind the brand Abprallen, created the pin and shirt with the slogan "Satan respects pronouns." Carnell also designed three pieces for Target's pride collection.
But that is where the connection ends.
"These items are the only ones I had for sale in collaboration with Target," Abprallen said in a May 26 Instagram post (archived here).
The post includes photos of a sweatshirt, a messenger bag and a tote bag. None bear Satan-themed imagery or phrases.
Carnell announced the partnership with Target in a May 16 Instagram post (archived here).
"I can now proudly announce that you can buy Abprallen in US Targets! Part one of the range includes a messenger bag, a tote, and a sweatshirt!" the designer said.
Archived versions of Target's website show the products for sale.
The retail giant pulled the merchandise as social media users described Abprallen as "Satanic," referencing his posts and designs that feature occult or devil-like imagery.
On Instagram, the designer said: "My work was likely pulled following false accusations of being a Satanist and of marketing my work to children, both claims have been debunked numerous times."
In a May 24 statement (archived here), Target said it had received "threats impacting our team members' sense of safety and well-being while at work."
"Given these volatile circumstances, we are making adjustments to our plans, including removing items that have been at the center of the most significant confrontational behavior," the chain said.
Other brands, including Adidas and The North Face, have faced criticism for their pride-themed collections. The backlash coincides with a surge in hate speech online and a record number of bills aimed at curtailing LGBTQ rights across the United States.
AFP repeatedly contacted Target for comment, but a response was not forthcoming.
More of AFP's reporting on LGBTQ misinformation can be found here.
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