Current:Home > reviewsAdidas Apologizes for Bella Hadid Ad Campaign Referencing 1972 Munich Olympics -Streamline Finance
Adidas Apologizes for Bella Hadid Ad Campaign Referencing 1972 Munich Olympics
Chainkeen View
Date:2025-04-09 07:43:36
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! (2)
Related
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- Craig Melvin replacing Hoda Kotb as 'Today' show co-anchor with Savannah Guthrie
- The Daily Money: All about 'Doge.'
- Medical King recalls 222,000 adult bed assistance rails after one reported death
- California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has a long record of promoting anti-vaccine views
- What is best start in NBA history? Five teams ahead of Cavaliers' 13-0 record
- Pete Alonso's best free agent fits: Will Mets bring back Polar Bear?
- Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
- In bizarro world, Tennessee plays better defense, and Georgia's Kirby Smart comes unglued
Ranking
- Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
- New Pentagon report on UFOs includes hundreds of new incidents but no evidence of aliens
- USMNT Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal Leg 1 vs. Jamaica: Live stream and TV, rosters
- Powerball winning numbers for Nov. 13 drawing: Jackpot rises to $113 million
- The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
- More than 150 pronghorns hit, killed on Colorado roads as animals sought shelter from snow
- Don't Miss Cameron Diaz's Return to the Big Screen Alongside Jamie Foxx in Back in Action Trailer
- Seattle man faces 5 assault charges in random sidewalk stabbings
Recommendation
South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment
Shocked South Carolina woman walks into bathroom only to find python behind toilet
The Best Gifts for Men – That He Won’t Want to Return
Joan says 'Yes!' to 'Golden Bachelorette' finale fantasy beach proposal. Who did she pick?
Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
Golden Bachelorette: Joan Vassos Gets Engaged During Season Finale
College football Week 12 expert picks for every Top 25 game include SEC showdowns
Will Aaron Rodgers retire? Jets QB tells reporters he plans to play in 2025