Old Navy Interracial Ad Controversy: Black And White Models Speak Out, Along With Old Navy


An Old Navy ad that featured a white male model and a black female model with a child caused controversy. As reported by the Inquisitr, the Old Navy ad published to Twitter immediately received backlash from some people when Old Navy advertised their 30 percent off sale. Cries that Old Navy was trying to push an anti-white agenda came from some folks — but they were quickly met with other folks who posted that “love wins,” and published their own photos of their interracial families.

On his Instagram account, Clay Pollioni posted a photo of himself standing in front of the controversial Old Navy ad, with his thumb in the air. Clay wrote that he was proud of the campaign, and thanked Old Navy for allowing him to be in the ad. Clay called the ad one that celebrates the diversity of America, and helps to unite families with all sorts of varying backgrounds.

On the Instagram account of Grace Mahary, the black model featured in the Old Navy ad, Grace reposted the original ad that was found on Old Navy’s Twitter feed. Mahary also wrote about the controversy that her “pretend family” caused, and wrote that she was proud to be a representative of interracial love.

Old Navy also responded to the controversy that brewed around their interracial family ad. With some folks writing on Twitter that they would boycott Old Navy stores, Old Navy defiantly left their ad in place and didn’t kowtow to those calling it offensive. The ad included an interracial couple and child and only information about the 30 percent off sale. Old Navy did not include any political or religious messages in their ad’s text.

As such, Old Navy spokesperson Debbie Felix provided statement that let Old Navy’s shoppers know that everyone is welcome to shop at their stores, as reported by Fortune.

“We are a brand with a proud history of championing diversity and inclusion. At Old Navy, everyone is welcome.”

Old Navy Twitter Ad With Black Woman And White Man Praised After Racist Comments Emerged

In response to the racist comments being left on Old Navy’s Twitter page, the #LoveWins hashtag began to surge on Twitter, with people leaving comments defending Old Navy. Twitter users and those across social media also used the #LoveWins hashtag to post photos of their own interracial families in response to the hateful messages being spread. Some of those messages accused Old Navy of practicing miscegenation and promoting an anti-white agenda, as seen below.

“Absolutely disgusting. What’s next? Gender neutral bathrooms? Pedophilia acceptance propaganda?! Never shopping here again.”

“My family and I will never step into an store again. This miscegenation junk is rammed down our throats from every direction.”

“How’s that? Because I don’t like seeing anti-white propaganda?”

“Stop promoting miscegenation or else I’m taking my $$$ elsewhere!!!”

“What are you trying to tell us? That the black father was absent so a white man had to step in and play daddy? Pathetic, I’m sick.”

The #LoveWins message shows people combating the hateful comments with inspiring messages of their own — and lots of personal messages about their own interracial broods.

“TY. My son is of mixed race & one of the most beautiful people in the world. So sick of this racist crap.

“I should be hosting a for because they’re supporting inclusivity and ignoring ignorant people.”

love this ad This is what true love looks like and the new America! Love it or leave it, oh btw I love this picture

“I feel the need to run over to the

A Cheerios commercial that debuted in 2013, which featured an interracial family, received similar backlash — so much so that the comments were disabled beneath the Cheerios YouTube ad.

[Image via Shutterstock]

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