Adidas Dumps Bella Hadid from Campaign Amid Gaza Controversy
In a shocking move, German sportswear giant Adidas has dropped model Bella Hadid from their latest campaign, amidst a growing controversy over her comments on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hadid, 24, sparked outrage on social media after expressing her support for the Palestinian cause on Instagram, stating that she stood with the people of Gaza and was "heartbroken" by the Israeli military’s actions in the region.
However, her comments were met with swift backlash from pro-Israel advocates, who accused her of being anti-Semitic and promoting hatred towards the Jewish people. The backlash was so severe that Adidas, which had signed Hadid to a multi-year contract just months prior, felt compelled to take action.
In a statement, Adidas announced that it had "parted ways" with Hadid, citing the need to maintain a "neutral" and "inclusive" brand image. The company emphasized that it respects and values diversity, and will not tolerate any behavior that undermines its commitment to social responsibility.
"This decision was not taken lightly, but we believe it is essential to uphold our values of respect, inclusivity, and neutrality," the statement read.
Hadid’s representatives have since issued a statement denying any anti-Semitic motives behind her comments, stating that she simply wanted to express her support for the people of Gaza and condemn the violence inflicted upon them.
The controversy has sparked heated debate on social media, with many accusing Hadid of being naive and insensitive, while others defended her right to free speech and her commitment to social justice.
The incident is not the first time that Adidas has faced controversy over its partnerships with celebrities. In 2018, the company dropped Kanye West’s Yeezy brand due to concerns over his anti-Semitic statements.
For Hadid, the fallout is a significant blow to her modeling career, which has been on the rise in recent years. The model has worked with top designers and brands, including Chanel, Dior, and Victoria’s Secret.
As the controversy continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the power of social media can have far-reaching consequences, not just for individuals, but also for brands and companies.