Outraged mental health advocates petitioned Walmart to stop selling a "Suicide Scar Wound" makeup kit offered on the retailer's website.
Walmart, one of the leading retailers in the United States, can be a one-stop shop for Halloween necessities like candy, costumes, and decorations.
This year the site featured a "Razor Blade Suicide Scar Wound" latex costume makeup kit. The product, according to Walmart, was not something they put up for sale online, but rather a third-party vendor, that Walmart did not identify.
The title and photo of a razor blade with two bloody slash marks instigated outrage from the community.
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"I would like to know which part of this is a suitable costume for anyone," one person said on Twitter. "Self harm isn't a 'scary costume' for all to wear."
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A group called Revolving of Doors launched a change.org petition.
"This is not just a disgrace to the sensitivity to those who suffer from self-harm, but a shame on Walmart for making light of the situation," the petition stated.
"This 'costume' is real life for many people, many people who are contemplating volumes higher than self-harm," the petition added. "Suicide is not a joke, not a costume, and not funny."
The controversy prompted Walmart to remove the costume from their site over the weekend, telling Facebook followers they too thought it was "unacceptable."
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If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call 1-800-273-8255.
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