Kim Kardashian Issues New Statement on Balenciaga Scandal
Kim Kardashian finally broke her silence on the recent Balenciaga scandal. The reality star and longtime ambassador for the brand issued a statement on her social media regarding the company’s latest campaign.
Trigger warning: child abuse and exploitation
The fashion brand pulled its Spring campaign because it featured photos of children holding bears dressed in bondage gear. Children were photographed around wine glasses, and a document showing a court case about child pornography was included in a photo. After receiving backlash, the brand put out an apology on its social media on November 22.
Balenciaga’s initial apology came in the form of an Instagram story, which has now been erased. However, the brand posted another statement on Monday. The apology states, “We want to learn from our mistakes and identify ways we can contribute. Balenciaga reiterates its sincere apologies for the offense we have caused and extends its apologies to talents and partners.”
Gabriele Galimberti, the campaign’s photographer, apologized in a statement to CNN. His statement read, “I am not in a position to comment [on] Balenciaga’s choices, but I must stress that I was not entitled in whatsoever manner to neither chose (sic) the products, nor the models, nor the combination of the same.”
Kardashian’s response to the controversy has been greatly anticipated since she is one of the brand’s most prominent ambassadors. Her statement did not come until almost a week after the campaign was removed. The Skims owner took to Twitter for her apology stating, “As a mother of four, I have been shaken by the disturbing images. The safety of children must be held with the highest regard and any attempts to normalize child abuse of any kind should have no place in our society — period.”
I have been quiet for the past few days, not because I haven’t been disgusted and outraged by the recent Balenciaga campaigns, but because I wanted an opportunity to speak to their team to understand for myself how this could have happened.
— Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian) November 27, 2022
Kardashian specified that she did not terminate her partnership with the brand, just that she is “re-evaluating.” Fans were not satisfied with her apology and took to social media to voice their opinions.
Delete this again and come back with the right statement. One that says “I am cutting ties with Balenciaga due to the disturbing images in their campaign involving children.” The only statement that should have been made.
— Gina (@JustGina4Now) November 28, 2022
Balenciaga promoting child abuse and Kim Kardashian still can’t bring herself to simply say “I’m cutting all ties” smh is the bag really that worth it?? https://t.co/07Z6VzZQzo
— King Wow (@wowthatshiphop) November 28, 2022
Kim Kardashian has not released another statement since.
