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Reality star and Balenciaga brand ambassador Kim Kardashian issued a statement condemning the label’s recent controversial campaign.
The fashion house was accused of promoting child p*rnography through their recent advertisement. Netizens have since taken to social media to express their disappointment in Kim Kardashian’s response to the same.
Balenciaga recently came under fire for their Spring 2023 collection’s Gift Shop campaign. It featured children holding stuffed teddy bears wearing bondage costumes. The photoshoot also included a legal document regarding the Supreme Court’s opinion on a child p*rnography case, that left internet users appalled.
Regarding the same, Kim Kardashian took to her official Twitter account to address the issue at hand. The reality star has been representing the luxury fashion house in the recent years and has also been appointed as a brand ambassador.
On November 28, the Keeping Up With the Kardashians alum told her followers that she “wanted the opportunity to speak” to Balenciaga’s team to understand how the campaign came into being.
The 42-year-old also claimed to be “shaken by the disturbing images.” In another tweet, she added that she appreciated the Paris-headquartered fashion house's apology. She also stated that after speaking to them, she believed that the brand understood the "seriousness of the issue." Speaking for Balenciaga, Kardashian promised that the issue would "never happen again."
In another tweet, the Skims founder addressed her relationship with the brand. She said that she was "re-evaluating" her relationship with the brand.
Netizens respond to Kim Kardashian’s statement
Internet users were unimpressed by Kim Kardashian’s statement. Many opined that the reality star should have released her statement sooner. Others also claimed to have expected Kardashian to terminate her relationship with the brand considering she is a mother of four children.
Several netizens expressed that Kardashian may not end her relationship with the brand considering the financial profits she is gaining from the same. Many accused the reality star of prioritizing her finances over the safety of children. A few tweets read:
Balenciaga apologizes for bondage teddy bears campaign
Last week, Balenciaga took down the ad campaign from their social media platforms and official website after receiving pushback for the photoshoot. In a statement, they stated on their official Instagram account that they:
“Sincerely apologize for any offense our holiday campaign may have caused.”
Addressing the Supreme Court's "unsettling documents" that were featured in the photoshoot, the fashion house said that they are taking the matter "very seriously." They also announced that they were taking legal action against the creative team responsible for "including unapproved items" for the photoshoot.
They also added that they “strongly condemn” child abuse in any form and stand for the safety and well-being of children.
The brand went on to sue production company North Six. Inc. and the photoshoot's set designer Nicholas Des Jardins for $25 million.
