Bella Hadid Responds to Controversy Over Adidas Campaign
- Bella Hadid commented on the backlash faced by Adidas over a campaign referencing the 1972 Munich Olympics.
- The campaign was linked to a tragic event where 11 Israeli athletes lost their lives.
- Hadid emphasized a collective misunderstanding surrounding the sensitive historical context.
American model Bella Hadid has addressed the backlash surrounding her involvement in an Adidas campaign that referenced the 1972 Munich Olympics, where a tragic attack resulted in the deaths of 11 Israeli athletes and a German police officer. The campaign, promoting the retro SL72s trainer, has drawn criticism for its insensitivity to the historical context. Hadid, who is of Palestinian descent and has been an outspoken advocate for Palestine, expressed her shock and disappointment, stating that she would never have participated had she been aware of the implications. In her statement, Hadid emphasized her commitment to fighting against hate in all forms, including antisemitism. She condemned the connection made between the liberation of the Palestinian people and the tragic events of the Munich attack, asserting that such associations do not represent her culture or beliefs. "Palestine is not synonymous with terrorism," she stated, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of her heritage. Adidas has since apologized for the unintended connections made in the campaign, acknowledging the distress caused and announcing plans to revise the remaining advertisements. The company reiterated its belief in sport as a unifying force and its commitment to promoting diversity and equality. Hadid, who has been actively involved in supporting Palestinian relief efforts, reiterated her pride in her heritage while advocating for a world free of antisemitism. She called for a greater understanding of the complexities surrounding the Palestinian narrative, emphasizing that her culture encompasses much more than the recent controversy suggests.