Bella Hadid To Sue Adidas After Being Dropped from Sneaker Campaign

German sportswear giant Adidas is facing significant backlash and potential legal action following their decision to drop supermodel Bella Hadid from an advertising campaign. The controversy centers around the revival of the SL72 shoes, originally released for the 1972 Munich Olympics, which were marred by the tragic killing of 11 'Israeli' athletes by the Palestinian militant group Black September.

Campaign Backlash and Apology

The campaign, starring Bella Hadid, ignited criticism from the 'Israeli' government and pro-'Israeli' groups due to Hadid's Palestinian heritage and her outspoken support for the Palestinian cause. The criticism led Adidas to pull the ads, with the company stating they are "revising the remainder of the campaign." Adidas issued an apology, acknowledging that connections to the tragic events of the 1972 Olympics were "completely unintentional" and expressing regret for any "upset or distress caused."

Bella Hadid's Legal Response

In response to the situation, Bella Hadid is reportedly gearing up for a legal battle against Adidas. According to TMZ, Hadid has hired legal counsel, aiming to hold Adidas accountable for what she perceives as a lack of public responsibility. Sources indicate that she is upset with the company for associating her with a campaign linked to a historical tragedy. Despite rumors of being dropped by Adidas, TMZ reports that Hadid remains under contract with the sportswear company.

Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ that Bella's legal team will argue that Adidas spearheaded a damaging campaign, associating her with the Munich Massacre’s violent history, which runs counter to her personal views. Bella reportedly did not fully understand the historical context when she signed on for the campaign and feels that Adidas should take responsibility for this oversight.

Public and Social Media Reaction

The public response to the controversy has been polarized. Supporters of Bella Hadid have rallied around her, with some calling for a boycott of Adidas in response to the campaign fallout. On social media, figures such as journalists Mehdi Hasan and Candace Owens have criticized Adidas, while others have defended the brand's decision to revise the campaign.

As the legal proceedings unfold and public opinion continues to be divided, the controversy involving Bella Hadid and Adidas underscores the complexities and risks of celebrity endorsements in today's highly charged political climate. This case highlights the challenges faced by public figures who use their platforms to speak out on contentious issues and the potential repercussions from both supporters and detractors.

Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story.

[Sources: TMZ / Hypebeast / Arab News]