Global clothing retailer H&M found itself in damage control mode on Monday when singer The Weeknd took to Twitter denouncing the company’s clothing ad featuring a young black boy wearing a hoodie that reads “coolest monkey in the jungle.”
The Canadian singer announced in his message that he would be cutting all professional ties with H&M. He had partnered with the company in 2017 as a model and spokesperson. On Tuesday, rapper G-Eazy, who also worked with H&M, announced he too would be terminating their relationship.
Here is the tweet from The Weeknd, which quickly went viral:
Basketball icon LeBron James was quick to join the chorus of outraged individuals over the insensitive photo, offering his own take on the situation using some Photoshop work. In the caption to his Instagram post, James took a decidedly positive stance in his response, offering a message of empowerment and hope.
Amid the very public backlash ignited by The Weeknd’s tweet and James’ response, H&M was quick to pull the sweatshirt. On Wednesday, they offered an apology for the image:
"We agree with all the criticism that this has generated – we have got this wrong and we agree that, even if unintentional, passive or casual racism needs to be eradicated wherever it exists… We will now be doing everything we possibly can to prevent this from happening again in future.''
There’s been no word yet on whether the company is interested in licensing LeBron’s markedly improved design, but there’s clearly an opportunity to turn the sentiment around by embracing the basketball star’s stance on the matter.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.