Current:Home > StocksAdidas Apologizes for Bella Hadid Ad Campaign Referencing 1972 Munich Olympics -InfoLens
Adidas Apologizes for Bella Hadid Ad Campaign Referencing 1972 Munich Olympics
View Date:2024-12-23 07:03:52
Adidas has issued an apology over a controversial campaign featuring Bella Hadid that paid tribute to the 1972 Munich Olympics.
This week, the footwear brand shared ads showing the supermodel—whose father Mohamed Hadid is Palestinian—wearing retro red SL72 sneakers commemorating the games, during which gunmen from the Palestinian militant group Black September raided the Olympic Village and killed 11 members of the Israeli team, with nine murdered after being held hostage.
While the campaign also featured celebs such as soccer star Jules Koundé, the ads with Bella sparked an online backlash that included calls to boycott the German company, as well as condemnation from Israel's official X account. All the promotional photos were then removed from the brand's social media and its website.
“We are conscious that connections have been made to tragic historical event—though these are completely unintentional—and we apologize for any upset or distress caused," Adidas said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports July 18. “As a result, we are revising the remainder of the campaign."
The company added, "We believe in sport as a unifying force around the world and will continue our efforts to champion diversity and equality in everything we do."
Hadid, who was born in the United States and calls herself a "proud Palestinian," has long been vocal in her support for the Palestinian people on social media.
The 27-year-old has often spoken out against Israel's ongoing military action in Gaza, which has killed more than 38,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, per NBC News.
Israel began its offensive after Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostages in a cross-border raid into Israel Oct. 7, according to Israeli tallies.
Hadid has not commented on the removal of the ads. E! News has reached out to her rep and has not heard back.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (61)
Related
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom will spend part of week in DC as he tries to Trump-proof state policies
- What to do if someone gets you a gift and you didn't get them one? Expert etiquette tips
- Suicide attacker used 264 pounds of explosives to target police station in Pakistan, killing 23
- South Dakota vanity plate restrictions were unconstitutional, lawsuit settlement says
- Judge weighs the merits of a lawsuit alleging ‘Real Housewives’ creators abused a cast member
- Are Ye and Ty Dolla $ign releasing their 'Vultures' album? What to know amid controversy
- Delta passengers stranded at remote military base after flight diverted to Canada
- ExxonMobil says it will stay in Guyana for the long term despite territorial dispute with Venezuela
- Get Your Home Holiday-Ready & Decluttered With These Storage Solutions Starting at $14
- US proposes replacing engine-housing parts on Boeing jets like one involved in passenger’s death
Ranking
- Multi-State Offshore Wind Pact Weakened After Connecticut Sits Out First Selection
- Why are there NFL games on Saturday? How to watch Saturday's slate of games.
- Judge rejects delay of ruling backing North Dakota tribes’ effort to change legislative boundaries
- Kate Cox sought an abortion in Texas. A court said no because she didn’t show her life was in danger
- Britney Spears reunites with son Jayden, 18, after kids moved in with dad Kevin Federline
- Delta passengers stranded at remote military base after flight diverted to Canada
- Climate talks end on a first-ever call for the world to move away from fossil fuels
- Sports Illustrated publisher Arena Group fires CEO following AI controversy
Recommendation
-
Louisiana man kills himself and his 1-year-old daughter after a pursuit
-
Zara pulls ad after backlash over comparison to Israel-Hamas war images
-
House set for key vote on Biden impeachment inquiry as Republicans unite behind investigation
-
China-made C919, ARJ21 passenger jets on display in Hong Kong
-
FSU football fires offensive, defensive coordinators, wide receivers coach
-
A Chicago train operator knew snow equipment was on the line but braked immediately, review finds
-
Crews work to contain gas pipeline spill in Washington state
-
House panel urges tougher trade rules for China, raising chance of more tariffs if Congress agrees