Disney Under Fire Over ‘Moana’ Halloween Costume

Disney’s upcoming film Moana might be making waves for having the first Polynesian princess, but now it’s under fire for selling a questionable Halloween costume.

Last weekend, the studio released a costume based on one of the movie’s character, the Polynesian god ‘Maui’ voiced by Dwayne Johnson , a brown body suit with tattoos. The costume’s description read “Your little one will set off on adventures in this Maui costume featuring the demigod’s signature tattoos, rope necklace and island-style skirt… plus padded arms and legs for mighty stature”

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Disney slammed over Moana costume

It caused a stir as people took to social media to say the costume was in poor taste. Disney has been accused of caricaturing Polynesian culture and appropriating Hawaiian culture. Some have also called it an example of brownface. The movie itself was also the subject of controversy earlier this year. This was after some Polynesians felt it depicted Maui as what they perceived as overweight.

The costume also includes “screen art skirt with leaf accents” and “photo-realistic teeth art appliqués”. It has also been criticized for appropriating sacred Hawaiian and Oceanic traditions. Members of the Polynesian community, including Maori New Zealanders, have condemned the costume as cultural appropriation.

Disney’s Moana is set to be released on Wednesday, November 23rd 2016.