UK supermarket chain Sainsbury’s has issued an apology after an offensive phrase used by racists was discovered in the title of an online listing for a pair of school trousers. The pants featured reinforced knees and a “grow hem,” which, when combined, created the phrase. The offensive term is often used in place of racial slurs to evade online filters that detect hate speech. Sainsbury’s has temporarily removed the product from its website and promised to update the product labeling.
A spokesperson for the supermarket chain has expressed regret over the incident and apologized to all those offended by the listing. “We have listened to the concerns which have been shared and are urgently updating the product labeling,” the spokesperson confirmed. The term has previously appeared on the T-shirts of basketball teams, among other items, leading to bans and accusations of racism.
Social media users alerting Sainsbury’s to the phrase’s presence on the website have called for better moderation of online platforms, noting that homophones and emojis frequently slip past automated filters. Footballers, such as Bukayo Saka, have previously suffered racial abuse from commenters who use emojis, a problem that has since been resolved by Instagram.
Finally, it’s essential to note that there is no suggestion that Sainsbury’s used the phrase intentionally. However, it serves as a warning to all companies with online platforms to remain vigilant of offensive language and how it may be used to exploit their systems
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