Balenciaga under fire for ‘creepy’ ads featuring children in ‘bondage outfits’
balenciaga has issued a statement “strongly condemning” child abuse, addressing the fallout from its controversial advertising campaigns involving children.
On Monday, the fashion house shared a new statement on Instagram in which it said it “would like to address the controversies surrounding our recent advertising campaigns”.
Balenciaga has recently faced widespread backlash over two advertising campaigns involving children. One of the ads, the designer’s gift collection campaign, presented children with the brand’s teddy bear purses, with critics pointing out that they appeared to be wearing BDSM and bondage-inspired accessories.
The second ad under scrutiny for using a printout of a Supreme Court ruling on child pornography is Balenciaga’s Spring 2023 campaign.
In the post, the designer brand wrote: “We strongly condemn child abuse; It was never our intention to include this in our narrative.
“The two separate advertising campaigns in question reflect a series of serious errors for which Balenciaga takes responsibility.”
Despite the statement, backlash to the controversial ads continues, with renewed criticism focused on the inclusion of a book about Michael BorremansA Belgian artist whose earlier work included the Spring 2023 campaign depicting castrated children.
Amidst the fallout, Kylie Jenner has denied claims that she posted never-before-seen photos of her family to deflect attention from the scandal.
Stay tuned for latest updates.
The renewed criticism on the campaign has largely focused on the inclusion of a book by Michael Borremans.
In a photo from the brand’s Spring 2023 campaign, Isabelle Huppert Sits in Manhattan office in front of stack of books.
However, as critics of the advertisement pointed out, the Belgian artist’s earlier work included depictions of castrated children.
One tweet read, “A picture of Balenciaga features a book by Michael Borremans, an artist who created “Fire from the Sun,” a series of paintings depicting naked children.”
Chelsea Ritchel30 November 2022 05:30
Balenciaga has turned off comments under its most recent statement, however, fans have continued to condemn the brand on social media.
“Balenciaga is pretty much canceled in my eyes, I don’t care what explanation they come up with. Don’t mess with the kids,” tweeted one person.
Chelsea Ritchel30 November 2022 04:00
Balenciaga has followed through on its promise to take legal action in relation to its Spring 2023 campaign, with the brand filing a lawsuit against production company North Six Inc. – and its agent, Nicolas Des Jardins.
In the complaint, the luxury fashion house accuses the defendants of engaging in “unconscionable acts and omissions” that were “malicious or, at the very least, extraordinarily negligent.”
Balenciaga is seeking $25m in monetary damages.
Chelsea Ritchel30 November 2022 02:30
As for photographer Gabriele Galimberti’s role in creating the Balenciaga campaign, which featured children posing with plush bears, Balenciaga said it was taking the blame.
“This was a wrong choice by Balenciaga, combined with our failure to assess and validate the images,” the company wrote. “Balenciaga is solely responsible for this.”
The clarification comes after Balenciaga apologized for the campaign last week. “We sincerely apologize for any offense caused by our holiday campaign,” the statement said, adding, “Our plush bear bags should not be shown alongside children in this campaign.” We have removed the campaign from all platforms immediately.”
after the statement National Geographic The photographer released a statement of his own, in which he said he “did not in any way deserve to be chosen nor [sic] product, nor model, nor combination thereof”.
You can read Galimberti’s full statement below.
Chelsea Ritchel30 November 2022 01:30
As of now, the photographers for Balenciaga’s Spring 2023 campaign have yet to comment on the backlash.
The photoshoot, which starred Bella Hadid, Nicole Kidman and Isabelle Huppert, was shot by Joshua Bright, while photographer Chris Maggio captured still-life images of the accessories. WWD,
The campaign drew backlash for including court documents related to the Supreme Court ruling on child pornography and for featuring a book by a Belgian artist whose earlier work included depictions of castrated children.
Chelsea Ritchel30 November 2022 00:30
Jenner’s response has resulted in many fans calling on celebrities to publicly denounce the brand, while some have suggested that Kim Kardashian should cut ties with the company over the scandal.
Candace Owens was among those criticizing the Skims founder’s response as not being strong enough, with the conservative commenter claiming the reality star should have decided she was “done with Balenciaga”.
Chelsea Ritchel29 November 2022 23:30
Kylie Jenner has shut down a TikToker claiming she posted family photos to distract from the Balenciaga scandal after the Kylie Cosmetics star shared never-before-seen photos of herself and Travis Scott’s nine-month-old son .
Jenner denied the allegations in a TikTok comment, writing: “Ugh why would I post my baby to be the cover for Balenciaga? That’s why I don’t do it. always something to say.
Chelsea Ritchel29 November 2022 22:30
In a statement released on Monday, Balenciaga said it “takes responsibility” for the “series of serious errors” that led to the publication of the two campaigns and said the company would “closely revise our organization and collective ways of working”. Result.
Chelsea Ritchel29 November 2022 21:22
While celebrities and notable figures have spoken out against Balenciaga in light of the controversial campaigns, not everyone who has worked with the brand has condemned the luxury designer.
Nicole Kidman, who stars in the brand’s Spring 2023 campaign, remained silent amid the backlash, with fans calling on her to denounce Balenciaga.
You can read more about the reactions below.
Chelsea Ritchel29 November 2022 19:15
Galimberti, who has 20 years of experience as a documentary photographer, also fears the backlash will affect his career, as he estimates he’s already lost $10,000 since the Balenciaga controversy, according to WWD Already happened.
The Balenciaga shoot marked her first job in the fashion industry.
Chelsea Ritchel29 November 2022 18:30