Walmart pulls Juneteenth ice cream after unexpected backlash

Walmart pulls its limited edition Juneteenth ice cream.

People felt the ice cream trivialized the holiday.

«We sincerely apologize,» the company said.

ICE CREAM TO CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH? Walmart pulls its limited edition Juneteenth ice cream, after the unexpected and explosive backlash they received. In short, people felt the idea of Juneteenth themed ice cream trivialized the holiday.

Juneteenth, also known as Liberation Day or Emancipation Day, is celebrated in the US on the 19th of June. This is a really important date since it commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Juneteenth was made a federal holiday in 2021.

Walmart recalls Juneteenth ice cream after unexpected backlash

Photo: Twitter

To celebrate Juneteenth, Walmart came up with the idea of ​​offering a delicious special edition ice cream that was a mix of red velvet and cheesecake. “Share and celebrate African-American culture, emancipation and enduring hope,” reads the colorful label.

The truth is that the initiative did not turn out as expected and, amid surprised reactions and a shower of criticism, the company has chosen to withdraw the ice cream from the market. «We sincerely apologize,» Walmart said in a statement posted on Twitter, according to FOX 29.

“We sincerely apologize”

Photo: Twitter

“Juneteenth holiday marks a celebration of freedom and independence,” the retailer began. “However, we received feedback that a few items caused concern for some of our customers and we sincerely apologize.»

The superstore also indicated that they would make modifications regarding the assortment of Juneteenth-related products that they have available for sale. «We are reviewing our assortment and will remove items as appropriate,» they added in the statement.

Social media explodes

Photo: Twitter

Walmart’s idea caused outrage and people took to social media to express their anger, criticize the idea and even call it “garbage”. Although for others it was simply a somewhat over-the-top marketing strategy on Walmart’s part. «Capitalism is great,» someone tweeted.

Another internet user delved a little deeper into the subject and discovered that Walmart wasn’t only selling Juneteenth ice cream, but they were also selling flannels, party supplies, banners and pennants alluding to the holiday. SEE FULL VIDEO HERE.

There’s still ice cream on the shelves

Photo: Twitter

“Juneteenth ice cream is still on Walmart shelves,” one user warned in a video on Twitter. But that’s not all, it turns out Juneteenth is not the only special edition ice cream that Walmart introduced recently.

Customers can also find a «celebration edition» much like Juneteenth, but this one is in honor of Pride Month, which is also celebrated in June. They call this white chocolate concoction with brownies and cherries “Pride» ice cream.