Current:Home > MarketsAdidas Apologizes for Bella Hadid Ad Campaign Referencing 1972 Munich Olympics -AlphaFinance Experts
Adidas Apologizes for Bella Hadid Ad Campaign Referencing 1972 Munich Olympics
View
Date:2025-04-14 15:05:45
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! (12181)
Related
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- Maniac Murder Cult Leader Allegedly Plotted to Poison Kids With Candy Given Out by Santa Claus
- Jury returns mixed verdict in slaying of Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll
- Shelter provider accused of pervasive sexual abuse of migrant children in U.S. custody
- Immigration issues sorted, Guatemala runner Luis Grijalva can now focus solely on sports
- Taylor Swift sings 'Karma is the guy on the Chiefs' to Travis Kelce for 13th time
- Montana’s largest nursing home prepares to close following patient safety violations
- Lou Dobbs, conservative political commentator, dies at 78
- USA men's volleyball mourns chance at gold after losing 5-set thriller, will go for bronze
- Obama, Pelosi and other Democrats make a fresh push for Biden to reconsider 2024 race
Ranking
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- University of California regents ban political statements on university online homepages
- What to know about the Secret Service’s Counter Sniper Team
- EA Sports College Football 25, among most anticipated sports video games in history, hits the market
- Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
- How to get your kids to put their phones down this summer
- Massachusetts lawmakers call on the Pentagon to ground the Osprey again until crash causes are fixed
- Major League Soccer hopes new roster rules allow teams to sign more star talent
Recommendation
Illinois governor calls for resignation of sheriff whose deputy fatally shot Black woman in her home
2024 British Open tee times: When second round begins for golf's final major of 2024
Flight Attendant Helps Deliver Baby the Size of Her Hand in Airplane Bathroom
'Love Island USA' complete guide: How to watch, finale date, must-know terminology
Google unveils a quantum chip. Could it help unlock the universe's deepest secrets?
Is Alabama adding Nick Saban's name to Bryant-Denny Stadium? Here's what we know
Jake Paul, Mike Perry engage in vulgar press conference before their fight Saturday night
Zach Edey injury update: Grizzlies rookie leaves game with ankle soreness after hot start