Current:Home > NewsAdidas Apologizes for Bella Hadid Ad Campaign Referencing 1972 Munich Olympics -TrueNorth Capital Hub
Adidas Apologizes for Bella Hadid Ad Campaign Referencing 1972 Munich Olympics
View
Date:2025-04-11 13:27:09
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! (7)
Related
- Average rate on 30
- US weekly jobless claims unexpectedly rise
- I loved to hate pop music, until Chappell Roan dragged me back
- Mega Millions winning numbers for Tuesday, Dec. 10 drawing: $619 million lottery jackpot
- From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Follow Your Dreams
- Drew Barrymore Addresses Criticism Over Her Touchiness With Talk Show Guests
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Follow Your Dreams
- $73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
- What was 2024's best movie? From 'The Substance' to 'Conclave,' our top 10
Ranking
- Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
- Lil Durk suspected of funding a 2022 murder as he seeks jail release in separate case
- Mystery drones are swarming New Jersey skies, but can you shoot them down?
- Fewer U.S. grandparents are taking care of grandchildren, according to new data
- 2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
- Lil Durk suspected of funding a 2022 murder as he seeks jail release in separate case
- New Jersey, home to many oil and gas producers, eyes fees to fight climate change
- Taylor Swift makes history as most decorated artist at Billboard Music Awards
Recommendation
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
When is the 'Survivor' Season 47 finale? Here's who's left; how to watch and stream part one
Chiquis comes from Latin pop royalty. How the regional Mexican star found her own crown
Beyoncé's BeyGood charity donates $100K to Houston law center amid Jay
Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills
A Malibu wildfire prompts evacuation orders and warnings for 20,000, including Dick Van Dyke, Cher
Syrian rebel leader says he will dissolve toppled regime forces, close prisons
Stop & Shop is using grocery store kiosks to make digital