Current:Home > reviewsAdidas Apologizes for Bella Hadid Ad Campaign Referencing 1972 Munich Olympics -FundWay
Adidas Apologizes for Bella Hadid Ad Campaign Referencing 1972 Munich Olympics
View
Date:2025-04-25 09:01:35
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! (94757)
Related
- Can Bill Belichick turn North Carolina into a winner? At 72, he's chasing one last high
- 'Tattooist of Auschwitz': The 'implausible' true love story behind the Holocaust TV drama
- Fundraiser celebrating fraternities that guarded American flag during protest raises $500K
- 'Indiana is the new Hollywood:' Caitlin Clark draws a crowd. Fever teammates embrace it
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- How Chris Pine's Earth-Shattering Princess Diaries 2 Paycheck Changed His Life
- After top betting choices Fierceness and Sierra Leone, it’s wide open for the 150th Kentucky Derby
- Here are the job candidates that employers are searching for most
- Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
- Caitlin Clark to the Olympics, Aces will win third title: 10 bold predictions for the 2024 WNBA season
Ranking
- Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
- US loosens some electric vehicle battery rules, potentially making more EVs eligible for tax credits
- Reports: Odell Beckham Jr. to sign with Miami Dolphins, his fourth team in four years
- Boeing threatens to lock out its private firefighters around Seattle in a dispute over pay
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- Why Canelo Álvarez will fight Jaime Munguía after years of refusing fellow Mexican boxers
- E. Coli recalls affect 20 states, DC. See map of where recalled food was sent.
- Alaska judge grants limited stay in correspondence school allotments decision
Recommendation
'No Good Deed': Who's the killer in the Netflix comedy? And will there be a Season 2?
An AI-powered fighter jet took the Air Force’s leader for a historic ride. What that means for war
Distressed sawfish rescued in Florida Keys dies after aquarium treatment
Whoopi Goldberg Reveals Who She Wants to Inherit Her $60 Million Fortune
Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen: Protecting democracy is vital to safeguard strong economy
Walgreens limits online sales of Gummy Mango candy to 1 bag a customer after it goes viral
A judge is forcing Hawaii to give wildfire investigation documents to lawyers handling lawsuits