Kim Kardashian's latest partnership has fueled public outrage over a decision some have called “treasonous.”
Kardashian has renewed her partnership with fashion house Balenciaga, more than a year after the brand was widely boycotted for its 2022 holiday ad, which many deemed to sexualize children. Kardashian was announced as a Balenciaga ambassador on Monday, where she emphasized her drive to do “the right thing.”
“Over the past few years, Balenciaga designs have been part of many of my looks and some of my most iconic fashion moments,” Kardashian said. “This historic fashion house embraces modernity and craftsmanship, bringing an innovative approach to design. [creative director] Demna. To me, this long-standing relationship is built on mutual trust and a determination to do the right thing. I’m excited about this next chapter for the brand as an ambassador. ”
Balenciaga sparks outrage over 'depraved' ad campaign that features infants and teddy bears restrained
Kim Kardashian's appointment as Balenciaga's ambassador was announced on January 22, just over a year after the brand sparked controversy over an ad involving children. (Kim Kardashian/Balenciaga Instagram)
The court of public opinion condemned Kardashian for resuming her relationship with the brand, suggesting that the billionaire was simply trying to make money.
“It's not at all surprising that Kim Kardashian doesn't care about Balenciaga's recent history (including their vulgar approach towards children) because making money is her goal,” one user wrote on Twitter ) was shared. “Mr. Kim will literally do anything for a check. The ambassador is trying to make everyone forget that this company has inappropriately used children in their fashion campaigns,” another wrote.
Some expressed frustration at the lack of accountability from Kardashian and brands. “The problem is she's doing this because she feels invincible. They actually should have canceled her a long time ago,” one person commented. “I honestly disagree with this. They have to be held accountable for child abuse. It's such a shame that A-list celebrities continue to work with brands like this.”
One person criticized Kardashian because her decision seemed to contradict her identity, writing, “It's very offensive that Kim Kardashian, a mother and aspiring lawyer, is a spokesperson for Balenciaga.” ” he wrote.
Kim Kardashian has been criticized online for rekindling her relationship with fashion house Balenciaga. (Axel/Bauer Griffin/Film Magic/Getty Images)
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Balenciaga unveiled its controversial holiday campaign on November 16, 2022, and apologized on Instagram on November 24.
“We sincerely apologize for any offense our holiday campaign may have caused. Our teddy bear bags should not have appeared with children in this campaign. We have immediately removed the campaign from all platforms,” the brand said in a statement. Ta.
Kardashian condemned this ad On November 27, she wrote in a series of tweets: “As a mother of four children, I am shaken by the disturbing footage. Children's safety must be considered a top priority and child abuse of any kind is normal. Attempts should be made to change the “It has no place in our society. I am grateful to Balenciaga for removing the campaign and for apologizing. After speaking with them, they understand the seriousness of the problem and will ensure that something like this never happens again.” I believe we will take the necessary steps to prevent this from happening.”
She also added that she was “re-evaluating” her “relationship with the brand,” although she has been photographed wearing clothes from the fashion house in recent months.
Kim Kardashian wore Balenciaga outfits on three separate outings in October and November 2023. (Getty Images)
In December 2022, Kardashian spoke out about cancel culture and how her response to fashion failures has been controversial. “Even with Balenciaga, people were like, 'Why aren't you speaking up? Why aren't you speaking out?' “And I was like, wait, I'm not part of this campaign. I don't know what's going on. Let me just look into it,” she explained on the “Angie Martinez IRL” podcast.
“And as soon as I saw what everyone was seeing on the internet and the reality of the situation, I was completely vocal about child pornography, and I said what I thought, and I completely condemned it. I didn't say, 'Hmm,' so Balenciaga, that's it. ” People were furious about it. ”
Kim Kardashian said she would reevaluate her relationship with Balenciaga in November 2022. (Nina Westervelt/WWD via Getty Images)
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Kardashian explained at the time that any response would be met with backlash.
“They get mad if I don't speak up. They get mad if I speak up and I don't cancel. They just get mad that in today's society you have to cancel someone… I know people talk about cancel culture and how crazy it is, but it's still going on. So that just wasn't my place.” said. “The whole point of life is to make mistakes and grow and evolve and become a better person. Obviously, there's no place or ounce to play anything with kids. Like the sexualization of children. The same goes for the sexualization of children.”
Balenciaga was eviscerated after releasing an ad featuring children and teddy bears. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
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The first campaign led to a massive boycott of the brand, spearheaded by celebrities like Brittany Aldean.
A representative for Kardashian did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. In addition to historically wearing outfits for the brand, Kardashian also appeared in another Balenciaga campaign in 2022, previously serving in an ambassador role.
