Kim’s Ongoing Association with the Brand Sparks Debate Following Past Controversy
Kim Kardashian has come under scrutiny for promoting Balenciaga at a recent luxury event, reigniting discussions about her affiliation with the brand after a controversy involving the fashion house.
Balenciaga faced backlash in November for its Spring/Summer 2023 collection’s promotional photographs featuring children holding teddy bears in BDSM attire. These images quickly went viral on social media, with users discovering court documents in the background mentioning “virtual child porn.” The public response was one of outrage, accusing the brand of sexualizing children.
In response to the controversy, Balenciaga issued an apology, acknowledging that featuring children alongside plush bear bags was a mistake. They removed the campaign from all platforms and pledged to take legal action against those responsible for including unauthorized items in the shoot. The brand strongly condemned child abuse in any form.
Kim Kardashian, one of Balenciaga’s prominent faces at the time, issued her own statement addressing the disturbing campaign. While expressing her disgust and outrage over the images, Kim did not specify whether she would sever ties with the brand. She vaguely mentioned that she was “re-evaluating” her relationship with Balenciaga, depending on the brand’s willingness to take accountability and protect children.
Three months later, Balenciaga announced a three-year partnership with the National Children’s Alliance (NCA), a nonprofit organization that assists child abuse victims across the United States. Kering, the parent company of Balenciaga, also partnered with the NCA as part of the initiative.
Despite the controversy and Kim’s initial response, she continued to collaborate with and support other designer brands, such as Dolce & Gabbana and Schiaparelli. However, her choice to wear Balenciaga again has sparked backlash among fans.
Kim recently attended the Kering Foundation’s Caring for Women Dinner wearing a Balenciaga gown, sharing photos of her outfit on Instagram. This decision prompted questions from fans about her ongoing association with the brand, with some expressing disappointment and confusion.
While several celebrities at the event chose different designer brands, Kim’s decision to wear Balenciaga led to mixed reactions. Some fans questioned why she was representing Balenciaga, given the past controversy. Critics suggested that her previous outrage may have been performative, as she appeared to continue supporting the brand.
Kim’s neutral and vague statement about re-evaluating her relationship with Balenciaga left many wondering about her true stance. Despite her initial concerns, she continued to wear and support the brand, prompting criticism from those who had expected a more definitive response.
In light of this controversy, Kim Kardashian’s ongoing association with Balenciaga remains a subject of scrutiny and debate.