Balenciaga takes responsibility for a “series of serious mistakes” after unveiling a campaign in which children pose with stuffed animals in BDSM-esque clothing. The fashion house issued a statement via social media on Monday, November 28, calling the ad “false.”
“We would like to address the controversy surrounding our recent advertising campaigns,” the fashion house began in the Instagram memo. “We condemn in the strongest terms child abuse; It was never our intention to include it in our narrative. The two separate advertising campaigns in question reflect a series of serious errors for which Balenciaga takes responsibility.”
Earlier this month, the luxury label launched a ‘Toy Stories’ campaign on its website, which featured young children from all backgrounds being photographed holding Balenciaga’s plush bear bags. The accessories were seen strapped into harnesses and other inappropriate items, prompting immediate backlash online.
Balenciaga explained in its Monday statement that children with the plays “should not have been shown.”
“This was a wrong decision by Balenciaga combined with our failure to evaluate and validate images. Responsibility for this rests solely with Balenciaga,” the statement continued.
The company also looked at a campaign image that contained Supreme Court documents from the 2008 United States v. William case, which criminalized child pornography.
“The second, separate campaign for Spring 2023, designed to recreate an office setting, featured a photo with a page in the background from a 2008 United States Supreme Court ruling, “United States V. Williams,” upheld as illegal and not protected by Freedom of speech promotes child pornography,” Balenciaga wrote in the statement. “All items contained in this shoot were provided by third parties who have confirmed in writing that these papers are counterfeit office documents. It turned out to be genuine legal paperwork, most likely from filming a television drama.”
However, Balenciaga claimed that the inclusion of the legal papers was “unauthorized” and “the result of gross negligence”. The brand has since taken legal action and “filed a complaint”.
The post continued, “We take full responsibility for our lack of oversight and control over the documents behind the scenes, and we could have done things differently.”
In addition, Balenciaga announced internal and external investigations and plans to further protect children.
“We’re rethinking our organization and our collective ways of working,” Balenciaga said. “We are strengthening the structures around our creative processes and validation steps. We want to ensure that new controls mark a tipping point and will prevent this from happening again. We are laying the foundation together with organizations that specialize in child protection and aim to end child abuse and exploitation.”
The brand added: “We want to learn from our mistakes and find ways we can contribute. Balenciaga reiterates its sincere apologies for the offense we have caused and apologizes to talent and partners.”
Balenciaga’s latest statement comes after the label removed the campaigns on Tuesday, November 22nd. The fashion house has also deleted its social media accounts.
“We sincerely apologize for any insult our holiday campaign may have caused,” Balenciaga said in a first statement, per CNN. “Our plush bear bags should not have been shown with children in this campaign. We immediately removed the campaign from all platforms.”
Kim Kardashianwho has a long-standing relationship with Balenciaga, was among many who condemned the company’s actions.
“I’ve been calm these past few days, not because I wasn’t shocked and outraged by Balenciaga’s recent campaigns,” the Skims founder, 42, wrote on Sunday, November 27, via Twitter. “But because I wanted an opportunity to talk to their team and understand for myself how this could have happened.”
She continued: “As a mother of four, I was devastated by the disturbing images. Child safety must be given the highest priority and any attempts to normalize child abuse of any kind should have no place in our society – period. I appreciate Balenciaga’s campaign removal and apologies. If I speak to them, I believe they will understand the seriousness of the problem and will take the necessary measures to ensure that this never happens again.”
The TV personality added that she is “currently reassessing” her “relationship” with Balenciaga, “based on their willingness to take responsibility for something that should never have happened — and the actions I expect them to take as children.” protection.”
Kardashian, daughters North, 9, Chicago, 4, and sons Saint, 6, and Psalm, 3, with ex KanyeWestShe became the face of the brand in February and walked the Balenciaga haute couture show during Paris Fashion Week in July.