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- Kim Kardashian has become the new brand ambassador for Balenciaga.
- This comes after she distanced herself from the fashion brand when it came under fire for campaigns that featured children in 2022.
- In the campaigns, child models were holding toy bears that wore what looked like BDSM gear.
Kim Kardashian has become the new ambassador for Balenciaga after distancing herself from the brand when it came under fire for campaigns that featured children in 2022.
In the ad campaigns, child models were holding toy bears dressed in what looked like BDSM gear; this led to an online paedophilia conspiracy theory, according to Rolling Stone.
In response to the photoshoots, Kardashian posted a statement in November 2022, saying she was re-evaluating her relationship with the fashion house.
"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," Kardashian wrote in a 2022 X post.
"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", she continued.
With the announcement of the new ambassadorship, Kardashian shared in a statement: "For several years now, Balenciaga's designs have been a part of my many looks – and some of my most iconic fashion moments. This historic fashion house embraces modernity, craftsmanship and takes an innovative approach to design under Demna.
READ | Kim Kardashian 'disgusted and outraged' by Balenciaga ads of kids holding teddy bears in bondage
"For me, this long-standing relationship is built on mutual trust and a commitment to doing what's right. I'm excited about this next chapter for the brand and to become their ambassador," she added.
In the past, Kardashian has publicly shown her love for the brand, wearing their clothes to various events, like the 2021 Met Gala. She also walked down the runway for one of the brand's Paris Fashion Week shows in 2022.
Other celebrities like Nicole Kidman and Michelle Yeoh are also brand ambassadors for Balenciaga.
Balenciaga's 2022 controversy prompted the fashion house to issue an apology.
In a statement, the brand said: "We strongly condemn child abuse; it was never our intent to include it in our narrative. Our plush bear bags should not have been featured with children. The two separate ad campaigns in question reflect a series of grievous errors for which Balenciaga takes responsibility."
READ MORE | Balenciaga responds after backlash from Kim K over 'disgusting' campaign: 'This was a wrong choice'
"This was a wrong choice by Balenciaga, combined with our failure in assessing and validating images. The responsibility for this lies with Balenciaga alone," they said.
"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 never to happen again," Kardashian said in her 2022 statement.
