New York City, NY – Supermodel Bella Hadid issued an apology on Monday regarding her involvement in an Adidas ad campaign that sparked controversy in Israel. Taking to Instagram, Hadid expressed regret over her participation, stating that she would not have taken part if she had known more about the campaign’s background. The ad in question featured Hadid promoting the re-release of Adidas’ classic SL 72 sneaker, originally launched to coincide with the 1972 Munich Olympics.

The 1972 Munich Olympics holds a significant place in history as it was marred by a tragic attack carried out by Palestinian militants. The attack resulted in the deaths of 11 Israeli athletes and a German police officer. The choice of Hadid, whose father is Palestinian and an advocate for Palestinian rights, as the face of the campaign drew harsh criticism from the Israeli government, leading Adidas to promise a revision of the campaign.

In response to the backlash, Hadid acknowledged her lack of awareness regarding the historical significance of the shoe, expressing shock and disappointment at the insensitivity of the campaign. She emphasized that her intention was not to connect the liberation of the Palestinian people with acts of terrorism, stating that the campaign inadvertently highlighted an event that does not represent the true essence of Palestine.

The incident involving Hadid and Adidas is just one example of brands finding themselves entangled in the complexities of the Middle East conflict. Companies like Starbucks, Disney, and McDonald’s have faced similar criticisms in the past. McDonald’s, for instance, recently repurchased its Israeli franchise following a global boycott in response to controversies surrounding free meals for soldiers.

Both Hadid and her sister Gigi, renowned supermodels of Palestinian descent, have often been in the spotlight for their outspoken support of Palestinian rights. Notably, Hadid has made public statements, clashed with Israeli officials online, and participated in pro-Palestinian protests, solidifying her stance on the issue.

In a joint statement with Adidas, Hadid expressed regret over the unintended connection made to the 1972 tragedy, apologizing to those affected by the campaign. The German brand acknowledged its mistake, emphasizing that it did not intend to link the shoe release to the tragic events of the Munich Olympics. The ongoing controversy serves as a reminder of the complexities and sensitivities surrounding issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.