Disney has pulled one of its jerseys from stores after facing backlash over what some fans called a “weird” pairing in its couples-themed collection.

The drop, released this week, included sports-style apparel inspired by classic Disney princesses and princes, including Cinderella and Prince Charming, Belle and the Beast, and Megara and Hercules —iconic romantic couples.

However, one pairing stood out to fans.

Ariel, the mermaid princess who falls in love with Prince Eric after gaining the ability to walk at the cost of losing her voice, was instead paired with her father King Triton.

“The way they went about it was weird. It was all couples and then this,” one user wrote on social media.

“No, no — when the majority of the comments are saying it’s weird, it’s weird. Plain and simple,” another added.

Some people defended the pairing, suggesting it may have been intended for fathers and daughters, but others argued that placing it within a couples-themed collection made it feel out of place.

“Okay, every other jersey couple is a romantic relationship. If the others were sidekicks or family members, I could agree with you—but they weren’t. It was weird from the get-go,” one user said.

Others expressed frustration that Disney removed the jersey without warning. “This is why we can’t have nice things!” one person wrote.

“I think it’s a huge mistake for Disney to pull the King Triton jerseys. Not everything has to be a couple! It can easily be for fathers and daughters,” another user wrote. “They could have made an Eric jersey in addition to Triton.”

“I would agree except that a) the Ariel jersey doesn’t come in kid sizes and b) every other jersey in the line was couples.

If they had mixed it up more so this one wasn’t so glaringly different, I think it wouldn’t be so much drama,” another responded.

The King Triton jersey featured a bold teal-and-white color-blocked design, resembling a classic hockey jersey.

Triton’s name appeared in large block letters beneath a bright yellow trident, along with a patch referencing the film’s 1989 release.

The matching Ariel jersey was primarily white, featuring a large graphic of the mermaid on the back over a purple “89,” with striped accents on the sleeves and collar.

The number 89 is a nod to 1989, the year The Little Mermaid premiered in theaters. Using film release years as jersey numbers has become a common trend in Disney sports apparel, celebrating each movie’s legacy and its place in the Disney Renaissance era.

All jerseys in the new collection were priced at $69.99. The California Post has reached out to The Walt Disney Company for comment.

---

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters