After a week of silence, Kim Kardashian denounced the controversial Balenciaga ad campaign that depicted children alongside bondage-style attire.
Kim Kardashian on Twitter
“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.”
The ad images came under fire last week as people noticed the odd outfits sported by the child models’ stuffed animals, as well as some mysterious court documents that alluded to child abuse and pornography.
The likes of Kardashian and Bella Hadid, who have strong ties to the luxury fashion house, were slammed on social media for keeping tight-lipped about the ongoing controversy.
While Hadid, 26, seemingly deleted an Instagram post promoting the brand, fans couldn’t bear the deafening silence, demanding a formal statement from the A-listers.
Kim Kardashian on Twitter
“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.”
Kim Kardashian on Twitter
“I appreciate Balenciaga’s removal of the campaigns and apology. In speaking with them, I believe they understand the seriousness of the issue and will take the necessary measures for this to never happen again.”
Kim Kardashian on Twitter
“As for my future with Balenciaga, I am currently re-evaluating my relationship with the brand, basing it off their willingness to accept accountability for something that should have never happened to begin with — & the actions I am expecting to see them take to protect children.”
Balenciaga filed a $25 million lawsuit against the production company North Six, Inc., and Nicholas Des Jardins, the set designer, for the bizarre imagery.
According to the court documents, the fashion house is filing the suit “to seek redress for extensive damages defendants caused in connection with an advertising campaign Balenciaga hired them to produce.”