Bella Hadid Speaks Out on Controversial Adidas Ad Campaign Tied to Munich Olympics Tragedy

Bella Hadid Speaks Out on Controversial Adidas Ad Campaign Tied to Munich Olympics Tragedy

Edited by: TJVNews.com

Supermodel and activist Bella Hadid has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding her involvement in Adidas’ recent ad campaign, which has been criticized for its insensitive ties to the Munich Olympics tragedy. According to a report in “Page Six” of the New York Post report, the campaign, which aimed to commemorate the 52nd anniversary of the 1972 Munich Olympics sparked outrage due to its inadvertent connection to a dark chapter in history.

On Monday, Hadid took to her Instagram Story to express her deep disappointment and regret over the campaign. She emphasized her commitment to avoiding any projects associated with historical tragedies. “I would never knowingly engage with any art or work that is linked to a horrific tragedy of any kind,” Hadid wrote, as was reported by The Post.

“Palestine is not synonymous with terrorism,” Hadid wrote, The Post reported in their Page Six section. “This campaign unintentionally highlighted an event that does not represent who we are.”

Hadid expressed that neither she nor her team was aware of the historical context when they agreed to the campaign. She acknowledged the importance of due diligence and research in preventing such oversights. “My team should have known, Adidas should have known, and I should have done more research so that I too would have known and understood, and spoken up,” she admitted, according to the Page Six report.

The controversy began earlier this month when Adidas unveiled an advertisement featuring Hadid holding a vintage sneaker from the 1970s. The ad was intended to honor the legacy of the Munich Olympics, but it inadvertently touched on the tragic events of those games. The campaign featured Hadid promoting the SL72 sneaker.

The Post report indicated that in 1972, 11 Israeli athletes and one German police officer were brutally murdered by the Black September organization, a Palestinian terrorist group which is a memory that remains painful and sensitive for many.

Hadid stated that she was unaware of the historical significance tied to the Munich Olympics when she agreed to participate in the campaign. “My team should have known, Adidas should have known, and I should have done more research so that I too would have known and understood, and spoken up,” she admitted, as was reported by Page Six.  Her acknowledgment reflects a broader issue of due diligence and historical awareness in the fashion and advertising industries.

In response to the backlash, Adidas has issued an apology for the campaign, acknowledging the “negative impact” it had on Hadid and other models involved. The brand’s apology indicates a recognition of the oversight and a commitment to more sensitive handling of historical contexts in future campaigns.

In a statement shared on Adidas Originals’ Instagram Story, the brand acknowledged the unintended connections to the Munich tragedy. “Connections continue to be made to the terrible tragedy that occurred at the Munich Olympics due to our recent SL72 campaign,” the statement read, as was noted in The Post report.  “These connections are not meant, and we apologize for any upset or distress caused to communities around the world.” This apology reflects Adidas’ recognition of the campaign’s impact and the brand’s commitment to addressing the concerns raised.