‘We apologize’: Balenciaga withdraws ads featuring children

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Young girls pictured holding teddy bears in bondage-style clothing were previously featured in the gift shop section of Balenciaga’s website.

“We are very sorry”

Balenciaga apologized Tuesday for its new campaign that shows two young girls posing with teddy bears that appear to be wearing BDSM-style thongs.

The ads supported Balenciaga’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection, which debuted this fall at Paris Fashion Week.

“We sincerely apologize for any offense our holiday campaign may have caused. Our teddy bear bags should not have featured children in this campaign. We have immediately removed the campaign from all platforms,” the company wrote in a statement posted to its Instagram Story.

Look at them

The campaign was automatically “taken down” from all social media due to the controversial photos.

Eagle-eyed online researchers pointed out that one photo in particular from the campaign could trigger the Child Pornography Act.

Photo: YouTube

“We apologize for showing incorrect messages in our campaign,” the company continued in its statement. “We take this matter very seriously and will take legal action against those responsible for creating the backdrop and including unauthorized items for our Spring ’23 campaign shoot. We strongly condemn child abuse in any form. We stand up for the safety and well-being of children.”

The luxury fashion house may have hastily deleted the campaign snaps from social media, but the snaps live on. Earlier on Tuesday, critics on Twitter blasted the photos.

“I thought people were trolling, but no. It’s real. Maybe that’s why Balenciaga left Twitter. They don’t want to be held accountable. Yes, these are children holding teddy bears dressed in sadomasochistic clothing,” raged one Twitter user.

Critics also noted court documents referencing “child pornography” included in the campaign.

The house of Balenciaga has recently made headlines again. A month ago, the brand favored by Kim Kardashian cut ties with troubled rapper and fashion mogul Kanye West after he made anti-Semitic comments.

“Balenciaga no longer has any relationship or plans for future collaborations related to this artist,” parent company Kering said of West in a statement.

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The article is in Greek

Tags: apologize Balenciaga withdraws ads featuring children

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