Next has removed a Pan Am logo Christmas jumper from sale after it caused a backlash from those saying it was offensive to the memories of those killed in the 1988 Lockerbie bombing.
A petition organised by a Lockerbie resident called for the retail giant to drop the product describing its design as “offensive and disrespectful to those affected by this tragic event”.
Phil Geddes said the disaster had “left an indelible mark on the lives of many, hundreds of people”.
Pan Am flight 103 had left London Heathrow and was flying over the Dumfriesshire town on its way to New York’s JFK airport when a bomb exploded in the hold.
The explosion on December 21, 1988, killed all 259 people on the plane, many of whom were Americans heading home for Christmas, as well as 11 people on the ground in Lockerbie.
“The pain and trauma it caused are still felt today by countless individuals around the world,” Mr Geddes wrote in his Change.org petition.
“To see a product that makes light of such a tragedy or uses it for commercial gain is not only insensitive but also deeply hurtful.”
He continued: “Next prides itself on being sensitive to its customers’ needs and values.
“However, continuing to sell this item contradicts these values. We urge Next to uphold their commitment to respect and empathy by removing this offensive item from sale immediately.”
On Monday afternoon, Next confirmed it had now removed the items from sale.
In a statement a spokesperson said: “We can assure that the ‘ALL + EVERY’ third-party branded items have been removed from the market place.
“The jumper can not be added to basket and the direct link to product has been terminated.”
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