Bella Hadid Criticizes Adidas for Insensitive Ad About Munich Olympics

Adidas has come under fire for its recent ad campaign promoting the SL72 retro sneakers, which references the 1972 Munich Olympics. The campaign sparked controversy due to its unintended connection to a tragic terrorist attack that occurred during the Games. Model Bella Hadid, who starred in the campaign, expressed her shock and disappointment regarding the lack of sensitivity involved, stating she was unaware of the historical implications tied to the ad. In her Instagram statement, Hadid, who is of Palestinian descent and an advocate for Palestinian rights, emphasized that she would not have participated had she known about the connection to the tragedy. "I would never knowingly engage with any art or work that is linked to a horrific tragedy of any kind," she asserted, highlighting her commitment to social causes and her dismay over the backlash she faced. The immediate response to the campaign included criticism directed at Hadid, with some accusing her of insensitivity due to her ethnicity. Supporters rallied behind her, condemning the attacks and labeling the association between Hadid and the historical event as racist. In light of the backlash, Adidas issued an apology and announced plans to revise the campaign, later updating their statement to include a mention of Hadid. Hadid reiterated her stance against antisemitism while advocating for Palestinian rights, stating, "Antisemitism has no place in the liberation of the Palestinian people." The incident highlights the complexities of cultural sensitivity in advertising and the potential repercussions for brands and individuals involved.