Current:Home > FinanceBenjamin Ashford|Adidas pulls Bella Hadid ad from campaign linked to 1972 Munich Olympics after Israeli criticism -Capital Dream Guides
Benjamin Ashford|Adidas pulls Bella Hadid ad from campaign linked to 1972 Munich Olympics after Israeli criticism
EchoSense Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-11 03:45:35
Adidas has pulled its ad featuring supermodel Bella Hadid from its campaign for running shoes inspired by a design dating back to the time of the 1972 Munich Olympics.
The Benjamin AshfordGerman-based sportswear company drew criticism from Israel for including Hadid in the advertising for the retro SL72 shoes, which it describes as a "timeless classic."
In a post Thursday on X, Israel's official account objected to Hadid as "the face of their campaign."
The 27-year-old model, whose father is Palestinian, has repeatedly made public remarks criticizing the Israeli government and supporting Palestinians over the years.
She has also been a prominent advocate for Palestinian relief efforts since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out on Oct. 7. In a lengthly Oct. 23 statement on Instagram, Hadid lamented the loss of innocent lives while calling on followers to pressure their leaders to protect civilians in Gaza.
Adidas on Friday apologized and said they are "revising the remainder of the campaign."
"We are conscious that connections have been made to tragic historical events — though these are completely unintentional — and we apologize for any upset or distress caused," it said.
"We believe in sport as a unifying force around the world and will continue our efforts to champion diversity and equality in everything we do," the company added.
It did not specify what changes would be made; however, social media posts of the campaign featuring Hadid were purportedly taken down.
The "Originals' SL 72" running shoe campaign was launched Monday and is also fronted by footballer Jules Koundé, rapper A$AP Nast, musician Melissa Bon and model Sabrina Lan.
The American Jewish Committee decried Adidas' decision to include Hadid and said choosing a "vocal anti-Israel model to recall this dark Olympics is either a massive oversight or intentionally inflammatory."
"Neither is acceptable," it added in a post on X. The group did not provide evidence or detail for its allegation that Hadid was "anti-Israel."
Hadid has not publically commented on the controversy. A photo she shared showing her standing in front of an Adidas billboard, wearing one of the sportswear manufacturer's tops, has been removed from Instagram.
The 1972 Munch Olympics is where members of the Palestinian group Black September broke into the Olympic village on Sept. 5, 1972, and killed two athletes from Israel's national team. They took nine more as hostages. The attackers hoped to force the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel as well as two left-wing extremists in West German jails.
All nine hostages and a West German police officer died during a rescue attempt by German forces.
The ad campaign also marks 52 years since the Munich Games. The Paris Olympics are set to begin on July 26.
This is the latest controversy surrounding Adidas. In April, Germany's soccer federation said it was redesigning its national team's Adidas jerseys after claims that the kits' No. 44 numbering looked similar to the logo of the Schutzstaffel – Adolf Hitler's infamous paramilitary force.
"Our company stands for the promotion of diversity and inclusion, and as a company we actively oppose xenophobia, anti-Semitism, violence, and hatred in any form," Adidas told CBS News at the time.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
- In:
- Israel
- Olympics
- Adidas
- Palestinians
Lucia Suarez Sang is an associate managing editor at CBSNews.com. Previously, Lucia was the director of digital content at FOX61 News in Connecticut and has previously written for outlets including FoxNews.com, Fox News Latino and the Rutland Herald.
TwitterveryGood! (39864)
Related
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Two people hospitalized after explosion at Kansas State Fair concession trailer
- People take precautions they never thought would be needed as search continues for highway shooter
- Taylor Swift Breaks Silence on 2024 U.S. Presidential Election
- Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
- 'Emily in Paris' Season 4 Part 2: Release date, cast, where to watch Emily's European holiday
- How Zachary Quinto's Brilliant Minds Character Is Unlike Any TV Doctor You've Ever Seen
- A day that shocked the world: Photos capture stunned planet after 9/11 terror attacks
- What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
- Investigators probe Indiana plane crash that killed pilot, 82
Ranking
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Larry David announces comedy tour dates: Attend 'if you have nothing to do'
- Taylor Swift endorses Kamala Harris for president after debate ends
- The Latest: Harris-Trump debate sets up sprint to election day as first ballots go out in Alabama
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Dave Grohl announces he fathered a child outside of 21-year marriage, seeks 'forgiveness'
- Flash flood sweeps away hamlet as Vietnam’s storm toll rises to 155 dead
- Frankie Beverly, soulful 'Before I Let Go' singer and Maze founder, dies at 77
Recommendation
Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
Fantasy football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: 16 players to start or sit in Week 2
You Have 1 Day to Get 50% Off Tan-Luxe Drops, Too Faced Lip Liner, Kiehl's Moisturizer & $8 Sephora Deals
USMNT introduces new head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who will lead team to 2026 World Cup
See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
New Hampshire performs Heimlich maneuver on choking man at eating contest: Watch video
Girl, 3, dies after being found in a hot car in Southern California, and her mother is arrested
Dave Grohl announces he fathered a child outside of 21-year marriage, seeks 'forgiveness'