We already know that Attack on Titan is no stranger when it comes to controversy. After all, the final chapter of the manga faced major controversy when Hajime Isayama decided to add more pages to it. However, that's not the only recent controversy that the franchise is facing. Luckily, it has been decided that some controversial merchandise will not be released ahead of the premiere of the Final Season's second part.
It was previously reported that Attack on Titan will be dropping new merchandise ahead of the return of Season 4. One of the items that were set to go on sale was the Eldian Armbands that had to be worn by all the Eldians living in Marley.
In Attack on Titan, the Eldians were forced to wear a piece of cloth to indicate their heritage to the Marleyans. These armbands came to symbolize the oppression of the Eldians and fans were quick to make a connection between the fictional cloths and the armbands worn by Jews during World War II.
There's a good reason why fans were against the idea of these armbands being sold as merchandise and it looks like the committee behind the franchise reconsidered their decision. They also issued a statement regarding the offending merch.
"The product set for production reproduces part of a character's costume that appears in Attack on Titan," the statement reads. "However, [the armband] is also considered a symbol of racial and ethnic discrimination. We recognize there was a lack of consideration in commercializing the item. We are very sorry."
Although the Eldian Armbands will no longer be sold, fans can look forward to getting their hands on the rest of the Attack on Titan merchandise.
Attack on Titan Season 4 Part 2 will be back early next year. Attack on Titan Episode 76 will premiere on January 10, 2022.
Related: Attack on Titan Season 4 Part 2 Drops Stunning New Poster
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