Model Bella Hadid recently found herself in the midst of controversy after participating in an Adidas campaign that unintentionally drew connections to the tragic terrorist attack at the 1972 Munich Olympics. The 27-year-old model, who is of Dutch and Palestinian descent, expressed her disappointment in the lack of sensitivity that was exhibited in the campaign.
In a statement shared on her Instagram story, Bella Hadid made it clear that she would never knowingly associate herself with any art or work that is linked to a horrific tragedy. She emphasized that she had no prior knowledge of the historical connection to the events of 1972 and if she had been aware, she would have never agreed to participate in the campaign.
The Adidas campaign, which featured Hadid holding a floral bouquet to promote the relaunch of the Adidas SL 72 sports shoe, was met with backlash due to its inadvertent ties to the Munich Olympics attack. Adidas Originals issued an apology, stating that the connections to the tragic event were not intentional and that they were revising the campaign in light of the criticism.
Bella Hadid reiterated her stance against hate in all forms, including antisemitism, and expressed her unwavering support for the people of Palestine. She stressed that the unintentional highlighting of the tragic event in the campaign was hurtful, as it does not represent the values and identity of the Palestinian people.
As a proud Palestinian woman, Bella Hadid made it clear that she will continue to stand by her people and advocate for a world free of antisemitism. She emphasized the importance of promoting peace over violence and reiterated that hate has no place in any society.
Despite the unintended controversy surrounding the campaign, Bella Hadid’s response serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the historical context and sensitivity when engaging in artistic projects. It also sheds light on the need for greater awareness and research to prevent unintentional harm or offense in the future. Ultimately, her message of advocating for peace and unity resonates beyond the realm of fashion and serves as a powerful call for compassion and understanding in a world often plagued by division and misunderstanding.