The Latest: Disney pulls costume criticized as “Polyface”

HONOLULU – The Latest on Disney’s costume for Maui, a character in its upcoming movie “Moana.” (all times local):

10:30 a.m.

Disney says it is pulling a costume of the character Maui from its website and stores after public outcry.

Maui is a demigod in Polynesian mythology and is featured in the upcoming movie “Moana.” The costume is a long-sleeve brown shirt and long pants featuring full-body tattoos.

Polynesians and other Pacific Islanders are speaking out against the costume, saying it’s offputting to have a child wear the skin of another race – likening its design to a version of blackface.

Disney said in a statement Wednesday it regrets offending some with the outfit. It says the team behind the “Moana” movie has taken great care to respect the cultures of the Pacific that inspired the film.

Disney’s statement says “we sincerely apologize.”

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10:20 a.m.

Pacific Islanders are speaking out against one of Disney’s newest costumes, likening its long-sleeve brown shirt and long pants featuring full-body tattoos to a version of blackface.

The getup depicts the character Maui in the upcoming animated movie “Moana.” Disney’s online store offered pyjamas in a similar design.

Chelsie Haunani Fairchild says it’s offputting to have a child wear the skin of another race. The Native Hawaiian college student says “Polyface is Disney’s new version of blackface.”

The Disney online store began selling the costume earlier this month, saying it has “padded arms and legs for mighty stature!” But on Wednesday, the costume and pyjamas had been taken down. Disney didn’t immediately comment.

“Moana” is due to be released in November.