Greeting card giant Hallmark says it shouldn't have changed the lyrics to "Deck the Halls'' on a new holiday ornament that's stirring customer backlash online.
The company took heat Thursday after it began selling a miniaturized version of a tacky holiday sweater. The ornament alters the carol's lyrics by removing the word "gay'' and emblazoning the sweater with: "Don we now our FUN apparel!''
Critics took to social media, accusing Hallmark of making a political statement.
The Kansas City, Mo.-based company says it was surprised by the reaction and now realizes it shouldn't have changed the wording. But a spokeswoman says Hallmark won't stop selling the ornament.
Hallmark had defended the ornament, saying the multiple meanings attached to the word "gay'' meant the ornament would be "open to misinterpretation.''
Hallmark's Tacky Sweater Ornament Jingle Stirs Controversy
Copyright AP - Associated Press
