Earlier this month, adidas released a campaign celebrating the relaunch of its ‘SL 72’ sneaker, which stars Bella Hadid – a move neither of them was aware would stir controversy. Connections were made between the sneaker’s debut during the 1972 Munich Olympics, where 11 Israeli athletes were killed, and Hadid’s part-Palestinian background. The severe backlash faced by the German sports giant resulted in them pulling Hadid from the campaign, generating further criticism and calls for a boycott.
Amidst rumors of Hadid potentially suing the brand, adidas issued an apology to the supermodel last week, who had since remained silent on the matter. Hadid finally broke her silence and released a statement. She took to Instagram to post a detailed statement.
“For those of you that do not know my heart, I want to make sure you’re hearing directly from me about my recent campaign with adidas. I would never knowingly engage with any art or work that is linked to a horrific tragedy of any kind. In advance of the campaign’s release, I had no knowledge of the historical connection to the atrocious events in 1972. I am shocked, upset, and disappointed in the lack of sensitivity that went into this campaign. Had I been made aware, from the bottom of my heart, I would never have participated.
My team should have known, adidas should have known, and I should have done more research so that I, too, would have known, understood, and spoken up. As I always have, and always will, speak up for what I believe to be wrong. While everyone’s intentions were to make something positive, and bring people together through art, the collective lack of understanding from all parties undermined the process. I do not believe in hate in any form, including antisemitism. That will never waiver, and I stand by that statement to the fullest extent.
Connecting the liberation of the Palestinian people to an attack so tragic is something that hurts my heart. Palestine is not synonymous with terrorism and this campaign unintentionally highlighted an event that does not represent who we are. I am a proud Palestinian woman and there is so much more to our culture than the things that have been equated over the past week.
I will forever stand by my people of Palestine while continuing to advocate for a world free of antisemitism. Antisemitism has no place in the liberation of the Palestinian people.
I will always stand for peace over violence, any day. Hate has no place here, and I will forever advocate for not only my people but every person worldwide.”
ALSO READ: ADIDAS FACES BACKLASH FOR DROPPING BELLA HADID FROM RECENT ‘SL72’ SHOE CAMPAIGN.
