Model Bella Hadid has responded to the controversy after starring in an Adidas campaign that drew criticism for “unintentional” connections to the terrorist attack at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
The 27-year-old said she was “disappointed in the lack of sensitivity that went into this campaign” after it was linked to the Games, during which 11 Israeli athletes and a West German police officer were killed in the attack by a Palestinian group called Black September.
Hadid, who is of Dutch and Palestinian heritage, has previously been vocal in her support for the people of Palestine amid the conflict in Gaza.
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“I would never knowingly engage with any art or work that is linked to a horrific tragedy of any kind,” Hadid said in a statement on Instagram.
“In advance of the campaign release, I had no knowledge of the historical connection to the atrocious events in 1972.
“I am shocked, I am upset and I am disappointed in the lack of sensitivity that went into this campaign.
“Had I been made aware, from the bottom of my heart, I would never have participated.”
The campaign released in July pictured Hadid holding a bouquet for the relaunch of the Adidas SL72 sports shoe, which made its debut in 1972, the year of the Munich Olympics.
A previous statement from Adidas Originals said connections to the 1972 attack were “not meant”, with the company apologising “for any upset or distress caused to communities around the world”.
“We made an unintentional mistake,” the German-based sportswear company said, confirming it was “revising the campaign”.
“While everyone’s intentions were to make something positive … the collective lack of understanding from all parties undermined the process,” Hadid said.
“I do not believe in hate in any form, including anti-Semitism.
“Connecting the liberation of the Palestinian people to an attack so tragic is something that hurts my heart.
“Palestine is not synonymous with terrorism and this campaign unintentionally highlighted an event that does not represent who we are.”
Hadid described herself as a “proud Palestinian woman” who would forever stand by her people “while continuing to advocate for a world free of anti-Semitism”.
“Anti-Semitism has no place in the liberation of the Palestinian people.
“Hate has no place here, and I will forever advocate for not only my people, but every person worldwide.”
