H&M has pulled a collection of Justin Bieber-inspired merchandise following the pop star’s claims that the products were not approved.
“Justin’s license holder has confirmed that H&M had the right contracts in place and followed all proper approval procedures for each selected design, the retail clothing company said in a statement shared with Billboard. “Nevertheless, out of respect for Justin, we have removed the products from our site and stores.”
“We have been Justin Bieber’s merchandise partner since 2016, and we are very proud of the work we have done so far,” H&M concluded.
On Monday, Bieber wrote on his Instagram Story that H&M was selling unapproved items featuring his image and song lyrics. The products, which appeared on the company’s website, included a tote bag, a sweatshirt, a sweatshirt dress, and more.
“I DIDNT APPROVE ANY OF THE MERCH COLLECTION THAT THEY PUT UP AT H&M,” the 28-year-old singer wrote, adding that it was done “all without my permission and approval SMH I WOULDNT BUY IT IF I WERE YOU.”
“The H&M MERCH THEY MADE OF ME IS TRASH AND I DIDNT APPROVE IT DONT BUY IT,” Bieber emphasized in a second Instagram Story.
Billboard received a statement from H&M on Monday evening, noting that the company had received permission to sell the products.
“As with all other licensed products and partnerships, H&M followed proper approval procedures,” an H&M representative wrote.
Billboard has reached out to Bieber for further comment.