Balenciaga issued an apology Tuesday for its new campaign that shows two young girls posing with teddy bears that appear to be wearing BDSM-style harnesses.
The advertisements supported Balenciaga’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection, which debuted this fall at Paris Fashion Week.
Balenciaga on Instagram
“We sincerely apologize for any offense our holiday campaign may have caused. Our plush bear bags should not have been featured with children in this campaign. We have immediately removed the campaign from all platforms.”
Eagle-eyed online investigators pointed out that one photo seemingly showed what appeared to be an excerpt from a US Supreme Court case that upheld part of a federal child pornography law.
Balenciaga on Instagram
“We apologize for displaying unsettling documents in our 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 photoshoot. We strongly condemn abuse of children in any form. We stand for children’s safety and well-being.”
The luxury fashion house may have wiped glimpses of the campaign from its social media, but screenshots live on. Earlier Tuesday, critics took to Twitter to slam the photos.
Balenciaga has been making headlines recently. A month ago, the brand favored by Kim Kardashian cut ties with problematic rapper and fashion mogul Kanye West after he made anti-Semitic remarks.