eBay to remove serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer-inspired Halloween costumes

eBay has reportedly banned listings of costumes related to serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, as Netflix views of serial killer series “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” have surged.  eBay said that Jeffrey Dahmer costumes are banned on the platform and are being removed under its “Violence and Violent Criminal Policy”, according to CNN.  The policy states that listings that promote or glorify violence or violent acts, or are associated with individuals who are notorious for committing violent acts are not allowed.

While MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to eBay for a statement, a check by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE saw that Jeffrey Dahmer Halloween wigs, Dahmer-inspired glasses are still available for sale on eBay. This comes as the popularity of Dahmer costumes surged just weeks after streaming service Netflix released an eight piece series resembling the crimes and life of the killer.

Dahmer was an American serial killer and sex offender who murdered and dismembered 17 male individuals between 1978 and 1991. He was sentenced to life in prison in 1992 and was beaten to death by a fellow inmate in 1994.  According to BBC, the show was watched for 196.2 million hours in the first week, and was a chart topper in more than 60 countries.

This is not the first time a Netflix show has prompted the creation of Halloween costumes. Last year, fictional hit show “Squid Games” known for its extreme violence saw many schools in New York had banning adorning of the outfit during Halloween, according to multiple news reports. Many brands also jumped on the shows popularity producing their own marketing gimmicks in relation to the show.

Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, outdoor event space The Grounds has cancelled the outdoor screening of a Batman movie as the Hong Kong film watchdog said the movie was too violent. The organiser said refunds were available and Iron Man will be played on the day instead. In a conversation with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, a spokesperson of The Grounds said: “The Grounds decided to make a change of movie based on Office for Film, Newspaper and Article Administration (OFNAA)’s recommendation. OFNAA felt that for an outdoor screening, the level of violence was not appropriate. This discussion is not unusual. It is a normal part of the licensing process.”

(photo courtesy: Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story's official trailer)

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