Balenciaga Apologizes For ‘Displaying Unsettling Documents’ In BDSM Campaign Featuring Minors + Files $25 Million Lawsuit Against Production Company Behind Ad: We Take This Matter Very Seriously & Are Taking Legal Action Against The Parties Responsible For Creating The Set

November 28, 2022 by S. G. in Latest News with 0 Comments

Balenciaga

Balenciaga Apologizes For ‘Displaying Unsettling Documents’ In BDSM Campaign Featuring Minors + Files $25 Million Lawsuit Against Production Company Behind Ad: We Take This Matter Very Seriously & Are Taking Legal Action Against The Parties Responsible For Creating The Set

Balenciaga is apologizing for its recent campaign advertisement in which the brand appeared to promote child pornography.

In the ad, the French fashion house showcased young children holding teddy bears wearing BDSM outfits. A document of the 2008 U.S. Supreme Court decision that maintained federal laws against child pornography was also placed in the campaign.

The brand — which, ironically enough, recently severed ties with Kanye West because of his controversial actions and comments — has since condemned such actions. In a statement released today (Nov. 28), Balenciaga claimed that graphics posted under its name were not authorized by the corporation. According to reports, Balenciaga has filed a $25 million lawsuit against the production company reportedly behind the concerning images.

Balenciaga said,

“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.”

Addressing the advertisement, Balenciaga noted that:

“The first campaign, the gift collection campaign, featured children with plush bear bags dressed in what some have labelled BDSM-inspired outfits. Our plush bear bags and the gift collection should not have been featured with children. This was a wrong choice by Balenciaga, combined with our failure in assessing and validating images. The responsibility for this lies with Balenciaga alone.”

It added,

“The second, separate campaign for spring 2023, which was meant to replicate a business office environment, included a photo with a page in the background from a supreme court ruling ‘united states v. Williams’ 2008 which confirms as illegal and not protected by freedom of speech the promotion of child pornography. All the items included in this shooting were provided by third parties that confirmed in writing that these props were fake office documents. They turned out to be real legal papers most likely coming from the filming of a television drama. The inclusion of these unapproved documents was the result of reckless negligence for which Balenciaga has filed a complaint. We take full accountability for our lack of oversight and control of the documents in the background and we could have done things differently.”

The campaign ad sparked controversy online and even led to Kim Kardashian claiming she was re-evaluating her relationship with the brand.

Showing her concern, the Kardashians star said,

“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.”

The Skims founder added:

“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.”

In its statement, Balenciaga added,

“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.”