Bella Hadid Expresses Shock Over Controversial Adidas Campaign

Bella Hadid, the renowned supermodel and activist, has recently found herself at the center of a controversy after starring in an Adidas campaign that was widely criticized for its insensitivity. The campaign promoted the re-release of the "Originals SL 72" sneaker, which originally debuted during the 1972 Munich Olympics, a year marked by the tragic attack on 11 Israeli athletes by Palestinian militants.

The Controversy Unfolds

The campaign was met with immediate backlash, particularly from pro-Israel groups and social media users who felt the campaign was disrespectful given the historical context. The inclusion of Bella Hadid, who is of Palestinian descent and has been an outspoken supporter of Palestinian rights, only intensified the criticism. Many felt that featuring her in a campaign indirectly linked to such a tragic event was either an oversight or a deliberate provocation.

Adidas' Response and Apology

In response to the growing backlash, Adidas issued a statement apologizing for what they described as an "unintentional mistake." The company acknowledged the connections drawn between the campaign and the 1972 Munich Olympics but emphasized that these were not intended. Adidas promptly pulled the campaign and is now revising its approach to prevent such controversies in the future.

Bella Hadid's Statement

“I Do Not Believe in Hate” the American supermodel stated.

The US model explained that she was unaware of the historical significance tied to the campaign and was profoundly shocked and upset by the lack of sensitivity. Hadid emphasized that she would never knowingly participate in a project linked to such a horrific event and expressed disappointment that her team, along with Adidas, did not conduct the necessary research beforehand.

The American fashionista reiterated her stance against all forms of hate, including antisemitism. It clarified that her involvement in the campaign was not an endorsement of the tragedy.