Why UK Customers Are Furious Over Smith & Cult's New Eyeliner
This article has been updated with new information.
American beauty brand Smith & Cult has released a product called "Wax Spastic" that is enraging UK consumers. After British beauty blogger Talonted Lex was sent a sample of the eyeliner product, she posted a photo to Twitter to express her disapproval.
While in the United States, the word "spastic," or "spaz," is often used to describe someone who is clumsy or easily excited, in the United Kingdom, the word has an entirely different meaning.
In the UK, the word is associated with cerebral palsy, and calling someone "spastic" is considered extremely offensive, insensitive, and derogatory. In fact, a BBC poll in 2003 found that UK residents found "spastic" to be the second most offensive disability-related word behind "retard."
Soon, UK beauty-lovers were responding to Lex's tweet, agreeing with the blogger's objection to the name.
Like you, I just cannot believe it got through so many people without anyone objecting!
ā Kate Leaver (@kateileaver) June 19, 2017
I think Scope UK and Disability Rights UK will be appalled. It makes my skin crawl, so offensive.
ā Alylou (@alyloupar) June 19, 2017
Who would even think that was acceptable??? Ridiculous.
ā Anna. (@alm3582) June 19, 2017
In a statement sent to POPSUGAR via email, Smith & Cult responded to the controversy.
"We fully understand the offense caused by the name of our product, and wholeheartedly apologize. We have immediately discontinued this item. Although the understanding of the word in the US is very different, we have to take responsibility and recognize that as an international brand we must do better and will take urgent steps to do this."