H&M says it has pulled Justin Bieber merchandise after pop singer’s protest

TORONTO –

Swedish clothes retailer H&M says it has pulled Justin Bieber merchandise from its shops after the pop singer blasted the chain alleging they used his likeness with out approval.

Bieber took to Instagram on Monday to name the H&M product line “trash” and stated he “didn’t approve it,” whereas the retailer insisted it “followed proper approval procedures” for the merchandise.

A consultant for H&M informed The Canadian Press on Wednesday the corporate determined to take away the garments from its shops and on-line store “out of respect for the collaboration and Justin Bieber.”

Bieber’s title and picture had been featured on varied objects, together with a sweatshirt, costume and tote bag, whereas a cellphone case included lyrics from certainly one of his songs.

Five years in the past, H&M collaborated with Bieber on a line of garments timed round his world tour.

However, since then Bieber has taken his personal curiosity in vogue, launching the high-end clothes line Drew House.

Earlier this week, H&M stated it adopted the identical “proper” steps for approval on the Bieber line because it does “with all other licensed products and partnerships.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first printed Dec. 21, 2022