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Kim Kardashian Breaks Silence On ‘Disgusting’ Balenciaga Ad Campaign

Kim Kardashian Balenciaga Statement: The SKIMS owner has broken her silence on the 'disgusting' ad campaign.
Credit: Alamy & Balenciaga

Kim Kardashian has been slammed by fans after she finally broke her silence on a ‘disgusting’ Balenciaga ad campaign that sparked outrage.

The French fashion house came under fire after its holiday campaign was described as ‘disgusting’ and ‘depraved’ by customers.

It featured child models holding plush toy bags, which were dressed in bondage and BDSM gear.

The SKIMS owner, 42, and her ex-husband Kanye West, 45, have long been supporters of Balenciaga.

The Kardashians star is often seen wearing and promoting products from the brand, and earlier this year became the company’s latest campaign star.

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Following the huge controversy sparked by the now-pulled campaign, Kardashian released a statement – and it’s fair to say that it hasn’t gone down well with fans.

She wrote on Twitter on Sunday: “I have been quiet for the past few days, not because I haven’t been disgusted and outraged by the recent Balenciaga campaigns, but because I wanted an opportunity to speak to their team to understand for myself how this could have happened.

“As a mother of four, I have been shaken by the disturbing images.

Belanciaga campaign
Balenciaga came under fire after its holiday campaign was described as ‘disgusting’ and ‘depraved’ by customers. Credit: Balenciaga

“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.

“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.”

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Despite her evident anger about the campaign, Kardashian’s fans were less than impressed with her statement.

Many felt that she should have dropped the brand entirely, rather than seemingly standing by it.

Kim Kardashian Balenciaga statement.
Kim Kardashian was slammed after tweeting out a statement on the Balenciaga scandal. Credit: @kimkardashian/Twitter

One person replied: “I can see now why Kanye wants to protect his kids at all costs! Pathetic statement!”

A second added: “You’re a billionaire. You don’t even need Balenciaga’s money. What are you doing?”

I don’t believe that you’re being sincere at all,” wrote another. 

“I think you were just hoping that it would blow over. Seems like it’s more about money for you.”

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When one person asked what people expected Kardashian to do about the campaign, someone replied: “She could’ve immediately QUIT. 

“And she didn’t need to check with the team or a lawyer, as a mother she should’ve been outraged. 

“You’re putting her on a pedestal. It’s gross.”

Addressing the backlash about an hour after her statement, Kardashian again took to Twitter to discuss her future with the brand.

Kim Kardashian Balenciaga statement.
In a follow-up tweet, Kim Kardashian discussed her future with Balenciaga. Credit: @kimkardashian/Twitter

She wrote: “As for my future with Balenciaga, I am currently re-evaluating my relationship with the brand, basing it off their willingness to accept accountability for something that should have never happened to begin with — and the actions I am expecting to see them take to protect children.”

Amid the fallout, Kardashian was slammed for her apparent showing of support for the brand as she posted a selfie wearing items from the Adidas x Balenciaga collaboration.

One person commented: “She sold her soul a long time ago. She doesn’t care.”

Another wrote: “Boycott Balenciaga! Your true colours will show if you don’t.”

Kim Kardashian Adidas x Balenciaga
Kim Kardashian came under fire for wearing items from the Adidas x Balenciaga collaboration amid the ad campaign controversy. Credit: @kimkardashian/Instagram

Balenciaga has not made any further comment since their original ‘sincere apology’ on Instagram last week, in which they insisted that they ‘stand for children’s safety and wellbeing’.

However, according to TMZ, the brand ‘blamed the set designer and production company heading the campaign, suing both parties for $25 million this weekend’.

The photographer who shot some of the campaign, Gabriele Galimberti, said in a statement that he was ‘not involved’ in the creative process behind it.

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Written by Cal Gaunt

Cal is a former content editor at IGV who specialised in writing trending and entertainment news. He previously worked as a news reporter at the Lancashire Telegraph and earned an NCTJ in Sports Journalism.