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ISIS by Marks & Spencer is a fragrance for women. Photo: Sam Tsang

A whiff of controversy? ISIS fragrance sold in Hong Kong stores, and retailer has no plans to stop

Marks & Spencer says product inspired by ancient Egyptian goddess has 20-year history

The Paris terror attacks earlier this month left many around the world feeling more vulnerable, and in Hong Kong, the incidents brought fresh attention to a different kind of ISIS.

That would be a line of fragrance, Autograph ISIS to be exact, sold by retailer Marks & Spencer.

Some consumers in the city recently criticised the company for carrying the product in its stores, saying the British chain was insensitive in the wake of the November 13 attacks in Paris that left at least 130 people dead. The reported mastermind was said to have ties to the extremist militant group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

READ MORE: China flags ‘fight’ against terrorism as it confirms for first time Islamic State has executed hostage Fan Jinghui

Hong Kong resident John Girard was one of those offended by Marks & Spencer’s decision to continue carrying the fragrance. “I think ... they knew they made a mistake and said well, ‘send it to Hong Kong, they won’t know anything about it anyway’, otherwise they’ll be stuck with the stock,” he said.

But not everyone in the city has a problem with the product whose name was actually inspired by the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis. Frenchman Julien-Loic Garin said: “ISIS should be removed from the world. Then people could still choose whatever perfume to wear.”

Hongkonger Winnie Tam said requests to take the brand off the shelves were “childish”.

The issue had been raised in the UK previously as the name reportedly upset certain concern groups. But Marks & Spencer had no plan to withdraw the brand.

Marks & Spencer said it had sold the product for over 20 years. Photo: Sam Tsang

In response to the Post’s enquiry, the chain held firm.

“Autograph Isis is a range we’ve sold for over 20 years,” a spokesman said. “It’s named after the ancient Egyptian goddess. We regularly evaluate our beauty brands, and Autograph Isis will be part of our next review.”

On Monday, the US government warned Americans of “increased terrorist threats” around the world in a travel alert effective until February 24. The US State Department determined that militants affiliated with groups such as ISIS and al-Qaeda were plotting attacks in several regions around the world.

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Isis fragrance causes a stink following terror attacks
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