Adidas Drops Bella Hadid from Campaign After Israel Backlash

Adidas has pulled supermodel Bella Hadid from an advertising campaign for retro shoes following Israeli criticism. The campaign referenced the 1972 Munich Olympics, where 11 Israeli athletes were killed by Palestinian attackers.

Hadid, who is half Palestinian and a vocal supporter of Palestinian causes, was chosen to promote Adidas's SL72 trainers, originally launched during the 1972 Olympics. However, images of Hadid wearing the shoes sparked backlash, including a post on Israel’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, criticizing her involvement due to her Palestinian heritage and support.

Adidas confirmed to AFP that Hadid had been removed from the campaign, stating they would "revise the remainder of the campaign" immediately. The company apologized for any distress caused, acknowledging the unintended connection to the tragic events of 1972.

Hadid, whose father is Palestinian property tycoon Mohamed Anwar Hadid, has actively supported Palestinian relief efforts, recently donating $1 million alongside her sister Gigi. The conflict in Gaza has been a focal point of her advocacy, reflecting her deep personal and familial ties to the region.

Social media reactions varied, with some defending Hadid and calling for a boycott of Adidas. The incident highlights the complexities brands face in navigating political and historical sensitivities.