The Latest: Some Polynesians happy Disney pulls Maui costume
The Latest on Disney's costume for Maui, a character in its upcoming movie "Moana." (all times local):
12:30 p.m.
Some Polynesians critical of a new Disney's costume are welcoming the company's move to stop selling it.
The costume depicts Maui, a legendary Polynesian figure featured in the upcoming animated movie "Moana." The brown outfit has long-sleeves and pants and full-body tattoos.
Critics say it's offputting to have a child wear the skin color of another race, likening the costume to a form of blackface.
Brigham Young University-Hawaii professor Tevita Kaili says he's happy Disney is responding.
Chelsie Haunani Fairchild says the company only pulled the costume because critical voices were heard.
The Native Hawaiian college student studying in Texas says it doesn't change what Disney did, though she accepts the company's apology.
Disney apologized in a statement Wednesday and said it regrets offending some with the outfit.
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10:30 a.m.
Disney says it is pulling a costume of the character Maui from its website and stores after public outcry.
Maui is a demigod in Polynesian mythology and is featured in the upcoming movie "Moana." The costume is a long-sleeve brown shirt and long pants featuring full-body tattoos.
Polynesians and other Pacific Islanders are speaking out against the costume, saying it's offputting to have a child wear the skin of another race - likening its design to a version of blackface.
Disney said in a statement Wednesday it regrets offending some with the outfit. It says the team behind the "Moana" movie has taken great care to respect the cultures of the Pacific that inspired the film.
Disney's statement says "we sincerely apologize."
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10:20 a.m.
Pacific Islanders are speaking out against one of Disney's newest costumes, likening its long-sleeve brown shirt and long pants featuring full-body tattoos to a version of blackface.
The getup depicts the character Maui in the upcoming animated movie "Moana." Disney's online store offered pajamas in a similar design.
Chelsie Haunani Fairchild says it's offputting to have a child wear the skin of another race. The Native Hawaiian college student says "Polyface is Disney's new version of blackface."
The Disney online store began selling the costume recently, saying it has "padded arms and legs for mighty stature!" But on Wednesday, the costume and pajamas had been taken down. Disney didn't immediately comment.
"Moana" is due to be released in November.
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This item has been corrected to say Disney began selling costume recently, not this month.