Bella Hadid Issues Heartfelt Statement On Controversial Adidas Ad

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Bella Hadid has finally broken her silence regarding the controversial Adidas campaign that has stirred up significant backlash. 

The 27-year-old model found herself at the center of a heated debate after starring in a campaign for the relaunch of the brand’s SL72 sneaker, which was created to honor the anniversary of the 1972 Olympics. 

Unfortunately, the campaign’s release coincided with a particularly painful historical event—the tragic terror attack during those very same Olympic Games, where Palestinian militants targeted Israeli competitors. The association with this dark chapter in history sparked outrage, leading to the removal of the campaign photos from online platforms.

In response to the backlash, Bella took to social media on Monday, July 29, to address the controversy head-on. She issued a heartfelt statement through her Instagram Story, expressing her deep regret and clarifying her stance on the situation. Bella’s statement was candid, apologetic, and full of personal reflections on the incident.

“For those of you that do not know my heart, I want to make sure you’re hearing directly from me about my recent campaign with Adidas,” Bella began. “I would never knowingly engage with any art or work that is linked to a horrific tragedy of any kind. In advance of the campaign’s release, I had no knowledge of the historical connection to the atrocious events in 1972. I am shocked, I am upset, and I am disappointed in the lack of sensitivity that went into this campaign.”

Bella’s words conveyed her surprise and dismay upon learning about the tragic connection. She expressed her frustration at the oversight, stating, “Had I been made aware, from the bottom of my heart, I would never have participated. My team should have known, Adidas should have known, and I should have done more research so that I too would have known and understood, and spoken up. As I always have, and always will, speak up for what I believe to be wrong.”

The model emphasized that the intentions behind the campaign were not malicious but rather aimed at bringing people together through art. However, the collective lack of understanding about the historical significance led to a campaign that inadvertently caused pain and controversy. Bella was clear in her stance against all forms of hate, including antisemitism, stating, “I do not believe in hate of any form, including antisemitism. That will never waver, and I stand by that statement to the fullest extent.”

Bella also addressed the broader implications of the controversy, particularly how it impacted her as a proud Palestinian woman. She expressed her distress over the unintended association between Palestinian liberation and terrorism, a narrative she passionately rejects. “Connecting the liberation of the Palestinian people to an attack so tragic, is something that hurts my heart,” she wrote. “Palestine is not synonymous with terrorism and this campaign unintentionally highlighted an event that does not represent who we are. I am a proud Palestinian woman and there is so much more to our culture than the things that have been equated over the past week.”

In her statement, Bella reaffirmed her commitment to her roots and her ongoing advocacy for peace and justice. She made it clear that while she stands by her people of Palestine, she also condemns antisemitism and any form of hate. “I will forever stand by my people of Palestine while continuing to advocate for a world free of antisemitism. Antisemitism has no place in the liberation of the Palestinian people,” she stated firmly.

Bella concluded her message with a call for peace and understanding, emphasizing that her advocacy is not limited to one group but extends to all people worldwide. “I will always stand for peace over violence, any day. Hate has no place here, and I will forever advocate for not only my people, but every person worldwide.”

The controversy surrounding the Adidas campaign serves as a reminder of the importance of sensitivity and awareness in public platforms, especially when dealing with complex historical and cultural issues. Bella Hadid’s response, marked by accountability and a clear stance against hate, reflects her commitment to using her platform responsibly and advocating for a world where peace and understanding prevail over division and violence.