The British retailer Missguided has removed controversial signs from its shops that critics claim were offensive to people with mental illness.
The backlash began when a Twitter user noted a Misguided sign saying, “I’m a psychotic mess but at least my eyebrows look good.” She tweeted a photo, along with a dictionary entry that said “psychotic” was synonymous with “severely mentally ill.”
https://twitter.com/_alittlemistake/status/814164320464539652
She also filed a written complaint with the retailer.
written in a complaint, hopefully something gets done !! pic.twitter.com/s2l1nWUt60
— hollie🌻 (@_alittlemistake) December 29, 2016
This wasn’t the first time someone had raised questions about this sign at Misguided’s shops.
So mental health is okay, as long as beauty trends continue to exist? @Missguided pic.twitter.com/Go0gedNgh8
— Sirius Black (@Zobyaa) November 30, 2016
But in the days after Christmas, the pile-on grew.
Ffs. No. No. No. No. Being a "psychotic mess" isn't #goals. It's sectioning and suicide and terrifying. Cc @Missguided https://t.co/WciLnJyqna
— Hollie Brooks (@HollieAnneB) January 1, 2017
I bet @Missguided think their 'psychotic' blunder will blow over. Nope. Ask Joy if people are over their Lithium greeting card yet.
— LaureN7 (@nimbus_nought) January 1, 2017
https://twitter.com/jessrose91x/status/814540640205832198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
So disappointing @Missguided sort it out! Mental illness is not a fashion statement. https://t.co/l8MwX1CjqN
— Rachel (@rachramblingon) December 29, 2016
I might be psychotic but my eyebrows look great, lol, so relatable. Who needs mental health awareness lolol.
— Alana Mullen (@aroseforepona_) January 3, 2017
@_alittlemistake @EmmaLouiseBetty @Missguided Missguided are living up to their name… X X X
— Aloha Lola Cards (@AlohaLolaCards) December 30, 2016
Wahey @missguided well done creating another innappropriate, offensive product #mentalhealth #mentalillness #psychosis https://t.co/pO1ffZP1f3
— Nik ♿ (@mind__magic) December 31, 2016
A spokesperson for Missguided said the controversial signs had been removed, but she declined to offer further comment.
Meanwhile, one Twitter user pointed out some online hypocrisy: The same person who took umbrage with Missguided’s use of “psychotic” had regularly used the adjective “insane.”
https://twitter.com/_alittlemistake/status/814849453354061825
— Jillian Kay Melchior writes for Heat Street and is a fellow for the Steamboat Institute and the Independent Women’s Forum.
