Supermodel Bella Hadid issued an apology on Monday after facing backlash for her involvement in an Adidas ad campaign. The campaign, which featured Hadid promoting the re-release of Adidas’ SL 72 sneaker, sparked controversy due to its connection to the 1972 Munich Olympics where Palestinian attackers killed 11 Israelis and a German police officer.
In response to the criticism, Hadid expressed regret, stating that she was unaware of the sneaker’s history and would not have participated if she had known. She emphasized her disappointment with the lack of sensitivity in the campaign and apologized for any offense caused.
Adidas also issued an apology, clarifying that they did not intend to draw connections to the tragic events of 1972. The brand expressed regret for the unintentional mistake and apologized to the celebrities involved in the campaign as well as communities worldwide.
The incident highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Hadid reaffirming her support for the Palestinian people while advocating for a world free of antisemitism.
Bella Hadid, along with her sister Gigi, has faced scrutiny from Israel in the past due to their Palestinian heritage. Both sisters are renowned supermodels and have been vocal about their support for Palestinian rights in various public appearances.
Vocabulary List:
- Backlash /ˈbæk.læʃ/ (noun): A strong negative reaction to something.
- Controversy /ˈkɒn.trə.vɜːr.si/ (noun): A prolonged public disagreement or heated discussion.
- Regret /rɪˈɡrɛt/ (verb): To feel sad or disappointed about something that has happened or been done.
- Sensitivity /ˌsɛn.sɪˈtɪv.ɪ.ti/ (noun): The quality of being sensitive or responsive to the feelings of others.
- Unintentional /ˌʌn.ɪnˈtɛn.ʃən.əl/ (adjective): Not done on purpose; accidental.
- Advocating /ˈæd.və.keɪ.tɪŋ/ (verb): Publicly recommending or supporting a particular cause or policy.
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