Bella Hadid Photo: ukr.media
Social Media Scandal and Legal Actions
According to cursorinfo, pro-Palestinian model Bella Hadid has sued Adidas after a social media scandal erupted over her participation in an advertising campaign dedicated to the retro shoes SL 72, released for the 1972 Munich Olympics. It’s worth noting that during these Games, 11 Israeli athletes were killed.
Adidas Issues Apology and Campaign Update
The company apologized and deleted all photos of Bella Hadid from their social media. They stated that “the connection with the tragic historical events was completely unintentional” and promised to update the campaign.
Hadid Hires Legal Team
According to TMZ, Hadid, whose images were removed from the brand’s official Instagram account, hired a legal team to explore possible actions against the German sports brand. “Hadid believes that the brand conducted a cruel and harmful campaign and did not take public responsibility,” sources told the portal.
Outrage Over Association with Munich Tragedy
Sources added that Hadid is outraged that Adidas launched a campaign linking her to the Munich Olympics tragedy and stated that violence contradicts her beliefs. Despite reports, Hadid still works under contract with Adidas.
Online Backlash and Boycott Calls
The choice of Bella Hadid, known for her pro-Palestinian views and frequent spread of fake news, sparked an especially fierce reaction online. Jewish and pro-Israel organizations called for a boycott of the company, citing its Nazi past.
Claims of Zionism and Corporate Controversy
Alongside angry statements from pro-Israel users and activists, pro-Palestinian organizations flooded social media with claims that “Adidas is a Zionist brand trying to ‘appease’ those who support Palestine by choosing Bella Hadid as the main model.”
Historical Context: Adidas and Anti-Semitism
The claim that Adidas is a Zionist brand is likely related to the fact that in March, Adidas announced a $150 million donation to combat anti-Semitism.
Past Controversies: Adidas and Kanye West
In 2022, Adidas cut ties with Kanye West after his series of anti-Semitic statements. At that time, the company stated that it “does not tolerate anti-Semitism” and that West’s statements and actions were “unacceptable, full of hate, dangerous, and violated the company’s values such as diversity and inclusion, mutual respect, and fairness.”