In a world where fashion intersects with global politics, supermodel Bella Hadid finds herself at the heart of a storm! The controversy? Her participation in an Adidas campaign that unwittingly evoked memories of the tragic 1972 Munich Games.
- Bella Hadid is fighting back
- She is speaking out against Adidas
- THIS is the campaign she is against
A Shocking Oversight or a Calculated Move?
On the 52nd anniversary of an event marred by the massacre of 11 Israeli athletes by Palestinian terrorists, Adidas launched the "SL 72" running shoe campaign. With no mention of the incident, the campaign drew immediate criticism, especially given Hadid's vocal support for Palestinian relief efforts.
The American Jewish Committee didn't mince words, slamming the choice of Hadid as either "a massive oversight or intentionally inflammatory."
Caught in the crossfire, Hadid took to Instagram, expressing her dismay.
"I would never knowingly engage with any art or work that is linked to a horrific tragedy of any kind," Hadid wrote in a lengthy Instagram story on Monday. "In advance of the campaign’s release, I had no knowledge of the historical connection to the atrocious events in 1972. I am shocked, I am upset, and I am disappointed in the lack of sensitivity that went into this campaign. Had I been made aware, from the bottom of my heart, I would never have participated."
Hadid added that she, her team and the team at Adidas "should have done more research," and had she known about the tragic history, she would have "spoken up."
"As I always have, and always will, speak up for what I believe to be wrong," she continued. "While everyone’s intentions were to make something positive, and bring people together through art, the collective lack of understanding from all parties undermined the process. I do not believe in hate in any form, including antisemitism. That will never waiver, and I stand by that statement to the fullest extent."
Hadid went on to condemn the connection between "the liberation of the Palestinian people" and an antisemitic attack, saying that "Palestine is not synonymous with terrorism and this campaign unintentionally highlighted an event that does not represent who we are."
Hadid's lengthy apology underscored her commitment to speaking out against hate, including antisemitism, and her unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.
As the backlash grew, Adidas was quick to respond, revising the controversial campaign and apologizing for any distress caused. The brand reaffirmed its commitment to diversity and equality, acknowledging the unintended connections made to tragic historical events.
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Hadid's stance is clear: "Hate has no place here." She advocates for peace over violence, emphasizing that the liberation of the Palestinian people should not be equated with antisemitism. Her message is one of unity and understanding, striving for a world free from hate.
