Kim Kardashian responded to the controversy surrounding Balenciaga’s now-condemned gift collection ads. The campaign featured children carrying plush teddy bears that were dressed in BDSM gear, such as leather harnesses. Meanwhile, its spring 2023 images, released closely in time, were staged in an office environment and included a visible court document on child pornography. “I appreciate Balenciaga’s removal of the campaigns and apology,” she posted to her Instagram Story on Sunday, Nov. 27. “In speaking with them, I believe they understand the seriousness of the issue and will take the necessary measures for this to never happen again. As for my future with Balenciaga, I am currently re-evaluating my relationship with the brand.”
Social media users immediately took Kardashian to task, claiming she is not doing enough to sever ties with the label. “Marrying the right person is so important that fact that Kim Kardashian was quick to denounce kanye over his statements on Jews but not quickly denounce her ties to Balenciaga over their child pedo campaign tells you that she cares more about money than keep her family together,” one Twitter user commented. “People really expected Kim Kardashian to condemn Balenciaga … when she let them put 9-year-old North West in a gimp mask for fashion week LAST MONTH,” pointed out another.
POPSUGAR has reached out to Balenciaga for comment. At the time of publishing, fellow Balenciaga spokespeople Bella Hadid and Nicole Kidman have yet to remove the spring ’23 ad campaigns from their personal accounts or release a statement. French actress Isabelle Huppert deleted her more recent work for the French fashion house from her feed, though the shots she posted in June are still present.
Keep scrolling for an update on the Balenciaga child ad campaign controversy.
