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Chain Blasted Over Padded Bikinis for 7-Year-Olds

Itsy-bitsy teeny-weeny thing prematurely sexualizes girls, say critics

By Jane Yager,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 14, 2010 7:33 AM CDT

(Newser) – A UK clothing chain has yanked a padded bikini top for young girls off its shelves amidst charges that the product sexualizes children. Discount retailer Primark offered the $6 bikini set in pink with gold stars and black with white polka dots, in sizes small enough for 7-year-olds. Child protection advocates slammed Primark for "premature sexualization and unprincipled advertising," BBC reports.

"It never fails to amaze me just how many High Street household names are now prepared to exploit the disgusting 'pedophile pound,'" an advocate for sexual abuse victims said. Tory leader David Cameron also joined in, blasting the company as "completely disgraceful." A Primark spokesman said the company has halted sales of the bikini and "will donate all the profits made from this product line to a children's charity."

The offending bikini
The offending bikini   (The Sun)
A padded bikini top for seven-year-olds
A padded bikini top for seven-year-olds   (The Sun)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 36 comments
Naked_Emperor
Apr 15, 2010 5:08 PM CDT
I guess I am a prude. The hell with the padding...A 7 year old in a bikini. Are you serious?

Neither of my nieces, ages 11 and 13, are allowed to wear a bikini.
benxtwisted
Apr 14, 2010 10:58 PM CDT
Ive seen some small fully grown women who could easily fit those. Doesn't it say the bikinis were "small enough" for a 7 year old, and not marketed to them?
HANKHILL
Apr 14, 2010 7:30 PM CDT
the owener of this outfit should be donated to the organ bank
 

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