Controversy Over Adidas Ad... Bella Hadid Says "I Didn't Know About the Munich Olympic Tragedy"

"Wouldn't Have Participated If I Knew"
Apology Through Instagram Story

Palestinian-American model Bella Hadid (27) apologized for appearing in an Adidas advertisement themed around the 1972 Munich Olympics. Recently, Adidas faced criticism for featuring Palestinian-American Bella Hadid in an ad centered on the Munich Olympics, where 11 Israeli athletes were tragically killed in a terrorist attack by the Palestinian group 'Black September.'

Adidas 'SL72' Advertisement [Image Source=Adidas SNS Capture]

On the 30th (local time), the US CNBC reported that Hadid wrote on her Instagram story, "Before this (advertising) campaign was released, I did not know it was historically connected to the horrific events of 1972," adding, "If I had known, I sincerely would not have participated." Hadid emphasized, "I am shocked and angry at the lack of sensitivity in this campaign. Our team should have known, and Adidas should have known. I should have done more research to understand and speak out. I would never intentionally be involved in art or work connected to any terrible tragedy."

The German sports brand Adidas featured model Bella Hadid wearing a uniform in the colors of the Israeli flag, standing on the podium in an advertisement for the retro model 'SL72,' which was re-released during the Munich Olympics.

The Israeli Embassy in Germany sharply criticized the ad upon its release on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Hadid and her father have frequently spread anti-Semitic slanders and conspiracies. Does Adidas have any excuse?" The American Jewish Committee also condemned Adidas, saying the decision to feature a model voicing anti-Israel sentiments to recall this dark Olympics was either a huge mistake or deliberate provocation. Online, criticisms such as "disgusting advertisement" and "Adidas is indeed a Nazi company" poured in. Adidas founder Adolf Dassler had a history of involvement with the Nazis during World War II, having produced anti-tank weapons at his shoe factory.

On the 19th, Adidas stated, "Although it was completely unintentional, we recognize the connection to a tragic historical event and apologize for the hurt and pain caused," adding, "We will revise the campaign." However, they did not specify how the advertisement would be revised or whether Hadid would be completely removed.