Skip to content
Home » Bella Hadid Dropped by Adidas After Controversial Ad Criticism from Israel

Bella Hadid Dropped by Adidas After Controversial Ad Criticism from Israel

Bella Hadid Dropped by Adidas After Controversial Ad Criticism from Israel

Last Updated on 21/07/2024 by wccexam Desk

The recent controversy surrounding Bella Hadid and Adidas has sparked significant discussion regarding the intersection of celebrity endorsements, historical events, and political sensitivities.

Adidas, the German sportswear giant, faced backlash after featuring Bella Hadid in an advertising campaign for its SL72 sneakers, a design inspired by the 1972 Munich Olympics. This period is historically marked by tragedy, as Palestinian militants from the group Black September took Israeli athletes hostage, resulting in the deaths of 11 Israeli team members. Following the release of promotional images featuring Hadid, who is of Palestinian descent and has been vocal in her support for Palestinian causes, the Israeli government condemned the decision. They criticized Hadid’s perceived antisemitic statements and her advocacy against Israeli policies, leading Adidas to withdraw her from the campaign and issue an apology for any distress caused by the association with the tragic historical events of the Olympics.

Adidas stated that it did not intend to evoke such connections and expressed regret for any upset caused. The company emphasized its commitment to diversity and inclusion, asserting that it actively opposes antisemitism and violence. In light of the backlash, they announced plans to revise the remainder of the campaign, which also featured other celebrities, including footballer Jules Koundé and rapper A$AP Nast.

Social media reactions have been polarized, with some users supporting Hadid and calling for a boycott of Adidas, while others echoed the sentiments of the Israeli government. The controversy reflects broader tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly in the context of public figures and their statements regarding the ongoing violence and humanitarian issues in the region.

Hadid has been a prominent advocate for Palestinian rights, especially since the escalation of conflict following the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023. Her public statements have often highlighted the suffering of Palestinians, which has drawn both support and criticism. This incident with Adidas is not her first encounter with backlash related to her political views; she has previously faced accusations from Israeli officials for her outspoken stance against the Israeli government.

In summary, the decision by Adidas to remove Bella Hadid from its campaign underscores the complexities of celebrity endorsements in politically charged contexts and the sensitivities surrounding historical events. The situation continues to evolve, reflecting the ongoing debates and divisions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict.