Kim Kardashian says she is «reevaluating» her relationship with Balenciaga in light of the brand’s recent ad campaign that featured images of young children posing with teddy bears that appeared to be wearing BDSM-inspired accessories.
«I’ve been quiet for the past few days, not because I haven’t been disgusted and outraged by Balenciaga’s recent campaigns, but because I wanted the opportunity to speak with his team to understand for myself how this could have happened,» Kardashian said. she, 42, wrote on her Instagram story on Sunday.
“As a mother of four children, I have been moved by the disturbing images,” she continued. «Children’s safety must be given the highest consideration and any attempt to normalize child abuse of any kind must have no place in our society, period.»
Following outcry surrounding the images in his recent adverts, Balenciaga deleted all of his Instagram posts and shared an apology statement on the social media platform.
“We sincerely apologize for any offense our holiday campaign may have caused,” read the statement, which was shared last week. “Our bag of teddy bears should not have appeared with children in this campaign. We have immediately removed the campaign from all platforms.»
A Balenciaga campaign image appeared to show the text of a 2008 Supreme Court decision upholding a federal statute related to child pornography.
While Balenciaga made no specific reference to this text in its statement, the brand did apologize for «displaying disturbing documents» in the recent campaign.
“We take this matter very seriously and are taking legal action against the parties responsible for creating the set and including unapproved items for our Spring 23 campaign photo shoot,” the brand wrote. “We strongly condemn child abuse in any form. We stand up for the safety and well-being of children.”
In her recent Instagram statement, Kardashian said she appreciates «Balenciaga’s removal of the campaigns and apology.»
«In speaking with them, I think they understand the seriousness of the problem and will take the necessary steps so that this never happens again,» he added.
kardashian he has collaborated frequently with Balenciaga, appearing in the brand’s campaigns and wearing Balenciaga on the red carpet.
Now, he said he’s rethinking his association with the label.
“As for my future with Balenciaga, I am currently reassessing my relationship with the brand, basing it on their willingness to accept responsibility for something that should never have happened to begin with, and the actions I hope to see them take to protect children. «, said.