Current:Home > MyBenjamin Ashford|Adidas Apologizes for Bella Hadid Ad Campaign Referencing 1972 Munich Olympics -WealthRoots Academy
Benjamin Ashford|Adidas Apologizes for Bella Hadid Ad Campaign Referencing 1972 Munich Olympics
EchoSense View
Date:2025-04-07 01:21:37
Adidas has issued an apology over a controversial campaign featuring Bella Hadid that paid tribute to the 1972 Munich Olympics.
This week,Benjamin Ashford 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! (6771)
Related
- Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
- Judge limits scope of lawsuit challenging Alabama restrictions on help absentee ballot applications
- Rumer Willis Shares Update on Dad Bruce Willis Amid Health Battle
- Erica Lee Carter, daughter of the late US Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, will seek to finish her term
- Alex Murdaugh’s murder appeal cites biased clerk and prejudicial evidence
- Kourtney Kardashian Twins With Baby Rocky Barker in Matchy Matchy Outfits
- A rare but deadly mosquito virus infection has Massachusetts towns urging vigilance
- Cheese has plenty of protein. But it's not 100% good for you.
- Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
- Death of Connecticut man found in river may be related to flooding that killed 2 others, police say
Ranking
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Senators demand the USDA fix its backlog of food distribution to Native American tribes
- Prosecutor says ex-sheriff’s deputy charged with manslaughter in shooting of an airman at his home
- North Carolina court says speedway can sue top health official over COVID-19 closure
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- Judge blocks 24-hour waiting period for abortions in Ohio, citing 2023 reproductive rights amendment
- Police search for the attacker who killed 3 in a knifing in the German city of Solingen
- Government announces more COVID-19 tests can be ordered through mail for no cost
Recommendation
Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds
New York City man charged with stealing sword, bullhorn from Coach Rick Pitino’s St. John’s office
Both sides argue for resolution of verdict dispute in New Hampshire youth center abuse case
Prosecutor says ex-sheriff’s deputy charged with manslaughter in shooting of an airman at his home
Moving abroad can be expensive: These 5 countries will 'pay' you to move there
What to watch: Here's something to 'Crow' about
The EPA can’t use Civil Rights Act to fight environmental injustice in Louisiana, judge rules
After millions lose access to internet subsidy, FCC moves to fill connectivity gaps