Adidas Apologizes to Bella Hadid Over Munich Shoe Campaign

In a surprising turn of events, sports apparel brand Adidas has issued an apology to Palestinian-American supermodel Bella Hadid after removing her from its latest shoe campaign, which referenced the 1972 Munich Olympics. The campaign was centered around the relaunch of Adidas' SL72 trainers, originally designed for the 1972 Munich Olympic Games, where 11 Israeli athletes and a German police officer were killed in an attack by a Palestinian militant group.

Adidas stated that the decision to feature Hadid in the campaign was an "unintentional mistake" and that the company would be "revising" the campaign. The move came after the Israeli government and pro-Israeli groups condemned the decision to include the model, citing the connection between the trainers and the tragic events of the 1972 Olympics.

Amid reports that Hadid was planning to take legal action against the company for their "lack of public accountability," Adidas has now apologized to her and other celebrities involved in the campaign for any "negative impact" caused. The company acknowledged that "connections continue to be made to the terrible tragedy that occurred at the Munich Olympics" due to the recent SL72 campaign, and stated that these connections were "not meant."

The controversy surrounding Hadid's removal from the campaign has sparked outrage, with many users criticizing the move as "blatant racism" against the Palestinian model. Hadid, who has long been a vocal supporter of Palestine, expressed her anguish over the ongoing violence and trauma in Gaza, stating that her "heart is bleeding with the pain from the trauma" she has witnessed.

The Adidas incident highlights the delicate balance brands must strike when navigating sensitive cultural and political issues. While the company aimed to relaunch a historical product, its decision to feature Hadid and the subsequent backlash demonstrate the complexities involved in representing diverse perspectives and narratives. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Adidas will navigate the situation and address the concerns raised by the Palestinian community and its supporters.