Kim Kardashian speaks out on the contentious Balenciaga kids ad campaign:
Kim Kardashian is “re-evaluating” her connection with Balenciaga following controversy over an ad campaign portraying toddlers carrying teddy bears clad in BDSM-style harnesses.
The actress broke her silence on the topic in a Twitter statement late Sunday night, after fans had been pleading with her to condemn the luxury fashion business for several days.
Not that I haven’t been shocked and offended by the recent Balenciaga campaigns, Kardashian stated in an explanation, “but I wanted an opportunity to speak to their team to understand for myself how this could have happened.”
The mother of four continued, “I have been frightened by the horrific sights. The safety of children must be prioritized and attempts to normalize child abuse of any form should be rejected outright by our culture.
In response to mounting criticism, Balenciaga dropped the problematic campaign on Tuesday and issued an apology for the bad news bears. The campaign also featured a printed copy of a US Supreme Court ruling on child porn legislation in the background of one image.
Balenciaga’s spring 2023 collection, which made its premiere this fall at Paris Fashion Week, was accompanied by commercials.
Kardashian said, “I appreciate Balenciaga’s removal of the advertising and apology. “After speaking with them, I feel they recognize the gravity of the situation and will take the necessary steps to ensure that it never occurs again.”
The reality actress and founder of Skims has a lengthy connection with Balenciaga; she appeared in its winter 2022 ad and walked in its July Paris fashion show, among other things.
Kardashian, 42, released a second statement confirming that history and working connection almost an hour after the first one.
Regarding her future employment with the brand, she stated, “I am currently re-evaluating my relationship with the brand, basing it on their willingness to accept accountability for something that shouldn’t have happened in the first place — & the actions I am expecting to see them take to protect children.”
Kardashian has received a barrage of criticism from fans for remaining mute about the advertisement on the Instagram comment sections.
“No one wants to purchase from you. One unsatisfied follower wrote on her post promoting a deal on her beauty care brand, “Speak up and stand for something.
“Kim, when are you going to reply? Another pleaded, “Your reputation is on the line here.
In an apparent effort to transfer responsibility, Balenciaga filed a $25 million lawsuit against the production firm and set designer responsible for the contentious ad campaign on Friday.