Balenciaga apologizes for ads with kids holding teddy bears in bondage gear
Fashion brand Balenciaga has apologized for an advertising campaign that critics say sexualizes children.
The ads, which ran on Instagram, depict children holding teddy bear bags outfitted in what appears to be bondage gear. The photos of the children were criticized on social media as "creepy" and "disturbing." The ads feature young children holding teddy bears that are decked out in chains, fishnet stockings and other gear.
Separately, online critics pointed out the appearance in another ad of a document tucked under a black purse, which appears to be from a court case concerning child pornography. Balenciaga said it is taking legal action "against the parties responsible for creating the set and including unapproved items for our spring 23 campaign photoshoot."
It added, "We strongly condemn abuse of children in any form."
Balenciaga said it removed the ads from all its platforms and said its "plush bear bags should not have been featured with children in this campaign."
On Monday, Balenciaga issued another statement explaining that the teddy bear ads and the ad with the court ruling resulted from two separate ad campaigns. The designer has filed a lawsuit against North Six, the production company behind the ad with the court ruling.
The fashion house was also in the news recently after it cut ties with Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, according to news reports. That decision came after Ye made several offensive comments, including anti-Semitic posts that earned him suspensions from Twitter and Instagram.