Spirit Halloween is under fire for a controversial accessory that’s got some parents in a tizzy.
According to KTLA, the pop-up store was forced to address a “bullet belt” costume piece after some people complained that the accessory glorified violence among children, with some parents noting that the belt was housed on a display that included plaid “school girl” ties and stockings.
In a store stuffed full of gory plastic severed heads, demon babies, zombie children with bloody teeth, occult symbols, raunchy outfits, and assorted mock murder weapons. So otherwise, all very clean and kosher.
Photos of the display in question also show other commonly understood punk-style pieces like studded bracelets hanging next to the belt, which are all generally understood to be a clothing articles common in the punk aesthetic rather than a nod to violence.
Nevertheless, one outraged parent told local news outlets the store was “making fun of” school shootings by selling the belt.
“I don’t like it,” one shopper told WAVY. “I have three children that go to school, and I just heard about the shooting that just happened. And it’s scary, even though it’s a costume. Regardless, that’s just not [it]. They shouldn’t be making fun of these shootings and guns and stuff. It is a big deal.”
Another parent claimed, “I know people always say everyone’s so sensitive, but it’s really not, because a lot of children are dying because of the school shootings. And you’re putting it where the school-like outfits are at. Like, that’s just wild to me.”
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Spirit Halloween said the item was intended to be “a punk rock accessory,” given that, you know, it’s included in the punk rock section of the store.
“It was not our intention for this product or its placement in the store to be viewed in any way other than a punk rock accessory,” the store said in a statement.
I don’t think anyone buying plaid ties and studded bracelets are intending to dress up as school kids, nor are most people who see a bullet belt next to the fishnet stockings associating it with mass shooters. But hey, it’s always more fun to overreact.
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