Here's Why The Internet Is Not Pleased About Disney's Moana Halloween Costume

Many are calling it cultural appropriation

Disney recently ruffled feathers when they released a Halloween costume for their upcoming movie Moana. In case you haven't heard, the film follows Polynesian teenager Moana as she sets off on a quest full of ups and downs. We don't want to give too much away here. The theatrical release is set for November 23, and Disney has already started selling costumes based off of characters from the film. Of course, anytime you create a costume that represents a particular culture, you have to make sure you aren't being offensive. Sometimes, that's a blurry line, and it's hard to please everyone.

Disney rolled out a costume and wig for the character Maui, voiced by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Maui is a demigod, with a large build, flowing hair and a body of awesome traditional tattoos. According to Disney Wiki, Moana meets Maui, and together they set out on a voyage. 

As a Poly I support our folk involved in #MOANA. But this? NO.Our Brown Skin/Ink's NOT a costume. @DisneyMoana pic.twitter.com/X0pacppAqV

— TheBlackSheep.com (@LivinOffTheGrid) September 18, 2016

The costume description reads, "Your little one will set off on adventures in this Maui Costume featuring the demigod's signature tattoos, rope necklace and island-style skirt. Plus, padded arms and legs for mighty stature!" Social media users pointed out that Disney is promoting brown face since the costume primarily consists of wearing a bodysuit with a dark skin tone. The costume consists of "Allover Maui body tattoo screen art, rope accent at neck and waist, photorealistic teeth art appliqués and screen art skirt with leaf accents." Many are also arguing that in addition to the costumes skin tone, making a costume with traditional Polynesian tattoos is equally as disrespectful. The Disney store also features Maui pajamas, tees and sweatshirts with brown skin and traditional tattoos on their site.

One Twitter user commented, "I wanted Moana to be real. I wanted to feel relevant in the eyes of the general public, but no. I'm only a costume to them, and that's sad." Some appeared to come to the defense of the costume writing, "So it's clear the Moana costume doesn't have a brown skin jumpsuit like Maui's. That was the only way for them to capture his look." Some also questioned what The Rock would say about the controversy. 

As of right now, the costume, along with other Maui and Moana merch is still for sale on the website.