An Anne Frank Halloween costume was removed from websites, but we’re confused about why it existed in the first place

Every year there’s a Halloween costume manufacturer that makes a bad choice on a costume idea. We don’t know how it happens, but somehow lots of people who work at costume companies sign off on a problematic idea and the internet has to let them know why it’s not okay.

This year it was an Anne Frank costume for children, and the internet at large is rightfully alarmed.

We’re confused why anyone would think this costume is a good idea, and after the online outrage, several retailers have pulled the costume.

What. The. Actual. Eff? @AnneFrankCenter are you aware? #annefrank #inappropriate #wtf #wtfisthis #wtfisgoingon #pleasebeascam pic.twitter.com/VxwMf8TEyx

— Noam Friedlander (@Noam25) October 16, 2017

The costume’s description reads: “Now, your child can play the role of a World War II hero with this girls World War II costume. It comes with a blue button up dress, reminiscent of the kind of clothing that might be worn by a young girl during WWII.”

We understand wanting to memorialize Anne Frank, but a Halloween costume is not the way to do it.

There r better ways 2 commemorate Anne Frank. This is not one. We should not trivialize her memory as a costume.

— CarlosgeADL (@carlosgeADL) October 16, 2017

The PR representative for HalloweenCostumes.com, one of the sites selling the costume, responded to the Twitter backlash, explaining that they don’t just sell costumes, but items that can be worn during school plays.

“We sell costumes not only for Halloween, but for many uses outside of the Halloween season, such as school projects and plays. We offer several types of historically accurate costumes — from prominent figures to political figures, to television characters,” wrote the PR rep. false

Despite the rep’s defense of the company’s decision to sell the costume, they ended up pulling it from the website and apologizing to everyone who was offended. The costume was also seen on Walmart.com, but as of today, it looks like it’s been removed as well.

You can learn more about Anne Frank and her heroic life here, and if you aren’t sure if your costume this year is offensive or not, we made a handy list of costumes that are completely unproblematic.