The Weeknd dumps H&M after ‘racist’ monkey sweatshirt ad

An advertising image of a black boy model in a sweatshirt with the words ‘Coolest monkey in the jungle.’ (AP)
Updated 09 January 2018
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The Weeknd dumps H&M after ‘racist’ monkey sweatshirt ad

NEW YORK: Singer The Weeknd said Monday that he will no longer work with H&M after the clothing company posted an ad of a black child in a sweatshirt with the words “Coolest monkey in the jungle” on the front.
Many people criticized the image on social media, calling it racist. H&M removed the image Monday and apologized to anyone it “may have offended.”
The Weeknd, who has a clothing line at the retailer, said on Twitter that he was “shocked and embarrassed” by the photo.

Representatives for The Weeknd confirmed the singer would end ties with the company.
Fans of the Canadian singer praised his move.

While others disagreed.

In a statement, H&M said, “We completely understand and agree with his reaction to the image.”
The Swedish low-cost fashion brand added that it would “continue the discussion” with The Weeknd and his team.
“We are deeply sorry that the picture was taken,” H&M said.


Arab designers shine bright at the Golden Globes

Updated 13 January 2026
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Arab designers shine bright at the Golden Globes

DUBAI/ LOS ANGELES: Arab designers dressed a handful of stars at the 83rd Annual Golden Globes on Sunday, with talent from Lebanon, Egypt and Saudi Arabia among the designers to be featured on the awards ceremony red carpet. 

Show host Nikki Glaser took to the red carpet at the event in a baby pink gown by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad.

The outfit, one of many costume changes for Glaser on Sunday night, hailed from his Resort 2026 collection.

For her part, Kylie Jenner was spotted at the awards ceremony in a custom-made silver gown by Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi, the founder of Paris-based label Ashi Studio.

Kylie Jenner was spotted at the awards ceremony in a custom-made silver gown by Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi. (Getty Images) 

Irish TV personality Maura Higgins looked elegant in a figure-hugging black gown with a textured golden shawl-like accessory by Dubai-based Egyptian designer Marmar Halim.

 Timothee Chalamet and a sea of other stars also said goodbye to color at this year's Golden Globes, opting instead for black.

Ariana Grande left behind her “Wicked” character's signature pink color for a black Vivienne Westwood couture dress but brought back her ponytail. Other notable celebrities in black included Ayo Edebiri, Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus and Mia Goth.

Edebiri chose a black off-the-shoulder Chanel dress embellished with jewels on the shoulders from Matthieu Blazy’s Métiers d’Art 2026 show.

Celebrities held onto their gowns and watched their steps as they posed for photos on high stairs that served as the red carpet. Like the Met Gala, they lined up at the bottom and had to perilously climb their way up.

Maura Higgins looked elegant in a figure-hugging black gown with a textured golden shawl-like accessory by Dubai-based Egyptian designer Marmar Halim. (Getty Images) 

The 83rd Golden Globes gives a glimpse into how celebrities will showcase their original take on fashion as the awards season progresses. Since 1944, the show has honored the best in film and television.

The carpet, at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, is a chance for nominees to make a statement, though some are beholden to fashion houses who pay them as ambassadors.

Several, including George Clooney, wore Giorgio Armani. The fashion world lost Armani in September, but his eponymous brand lives on.

“It was nice to see so many attendees, including Julia Roberts and Kate Hudson, wearing the brand and pay tribute,” said Véronique Hyland, fashion features director for Elle.

Stars also shone in metallics. “Sentimental Value” actor Renate Reinsve twirled on the carpet in a shimmery silver tasseled dress by Nicolas Ghesquiere for Louis Vuitton. Her co-star Elle Fanning's Gucci dress was embroidered with Norwegian flowers in honor of their Norwegian drama film.