Campaign Revision Amid Controversy
Adidas announced on Friday that it is revising its sneaker campaign featuring supermodel Bella Hadid. This decision follows criticism from Israel over the campaign’s association with the 1972 Munich Olympics, a tragic event where eleven Israeli athletes were killed by Palestinian terrorists.
Background of the Campaign
The campaign promotes the SL72 shoes, a design rooted in the era of the 1972 Olympics. Israel’s official social media account objected to Hadid being the face of the campaign, highlighting the Munich tragedy and the involvement of Palestinian terrorists.
Hadid’s Public Stance
Bella Hadid, whose father is Palestinian, has consistently voiced her support for Palestinians and criticized the Israeli government. Following the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, she posted on Instagram, urging her followers to advocate for the protection of civilians in Gaza.
Adidas’ Response
In an emailed statement, Adidas emphasized that the campaign intended to unite diverse partners and apologized for any unintended distress caused by the historical connections. The company is now revising the remainder of the campaign, though specific changes have not been detailed.
Historical Context
The controversy stems from the 1972 Munich Olympics, where members of the Palestinian group Black September killed two Israeli athletes and took nine more hostage, all of whom, along with a West German police officer, died during a failed rescue attempt. The attackers aimed to secure the release of Palestinian prisoners and two left-wing terrorists held in West Germany.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Pinterest
Whether writing about complex technical topics or breaking news stories, my writing is always clear, concise, and engaging. My dedication to my craft and passion for storytelling have earned me a reputation as a highly respected article writer.