“#canceldemna”: Balenciaga creative director Demna Gvasalia issued apology over ad controversial campaign
4 min read
GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT/AFP via Getty Images
Demna Gvasalia, the creative director at Balenciaga, is finally speaking out. Balenciaga has apologized on Instagram nearly two weeks after receiving immense criticism for its “Balenciaga Gift Shop” campaign sexualizing children. The concept I chose for the gifting campaign with the kids was not the correct artistic choice, and I take full responsibility for it. Demna Gvasalia, 41, wrote that it was inappropriate for kids to promote objects that aren’t relevant to them. Despite the fact that I like sometimes to provoke thought with my work, it is NEVER an intention of mine to do so with such a horrible subject as child abuse. “Period,” he said. In order to help with this terrible issue, he acknowledged that he has to learn from this, listen to organizations that work with the child protection system, and engage in discussions with them.
He apologized to anyone offended by the visuals and said that Balenciaga would take adequate measures not only to avoid similar mistakes in the future but also to take responsibility for protecting child welfare in all ways possible. In response to the luxury fashion house’s holiday campaign, the backlash began on 16th Nov. The “Gift Shop” campaign was photographed by National Geographic’s award-winning photographer Gabriele Galimberti, who featured children holding handbags designed with teddy bears wearing leather harnesses and spike collars. There are also wine glasses visible in some of the pictures. It was further criticized after the company displayed a printout of a 2008 US vs. Williams Supreme Court ruling regarding child pornography in a second ad for its Spring 2023 Garde-Robe advertising campaign.
Balenciaga Creative Director Demna Gvasalia Issues Apology For Inappropriate Campaign But His Apology Leaves Netizens Unconvinced
In the wake of the recent scandal surrounding Balenciaga’s controversial ad campaigns featuring children, the fashion house’s creative director, Demna Gvasalia, issued an apology. The 41-year-old fashion designer, known as Demna, took to Instagram on Friday to address the backlash surrounding the two ads. Despite his regrets, he acknowledged that it was inappropriate to include children in the campaigns. Social media users have also claimed “crimes against children” cannot be excused and that an apology is “too late.” As one user pointed out, Balenciaga’s creative director Demna Gvasalia apologized. Demna, that’s the biggest lie I’ve ever heard. According to another user, we do not want another apology: we want Demna Gvasalia gone! You don’t get it, do you?
Too late Demna, we’re on to all of you now. There’s no apologizing for crimes against children… especially when it was your plan from the beginning!!
— kat_rea (@kat_rea29) December 2, 2022
Earlier this month, Balenciaga launched a controversial ad campaign for their Gift Shop line. There were images of children holding plush bear purses, wearing outfits, and posing in settings suggestive of alleged themes of BDSM and bondage in the advertisement. After a second ad displaying a printout of the 2008 US vs. Williams Supreme Court ruling on child pornography laws, the company received further criticism. Since then, the luxury fashion house has apologized and taken responsibility. The company has also sued North Six productions and set designer Nicholas Des Jardins for their work on the controversial campaign for $25 million. Balenciaga has also removed both ads from all its platforms.
Apology ≠ Resignation
— Marc Burmich (@MarcBurmich) December 3, 2022
He should be fired
— Vicpic (@Vic77093709) December 3, 2022
Day late and dollar short. Should never have happened.
— M2A (@M2A70538380) December 3, 2022
He's only sorry cause he got caught. It's obvious he was a child predator in disguise and thought he could get away from it. They should be looking into him to make sure there isn't any victims
— 🌙Daniel Ruskan⭐ (@mirkwoodheart) December 3, 2022
Very sus that Balenciaga is issuing a statement signed by their CEO, while Demna’s apology comes in his personal capacity and not through his creative channel. I find it incoherent?
— osa (@osamachabbi) December 2, 2022
Fake apology from Demna Gvasalia & Balenciaga. Sorry that we got ‘offended’?! Pedophlia is never a ‘wrong artistic choice’. Where’s the explanation from years of similar campaigns? It’s not just this one #BalenciagaGroomers #adidas pic.twitter.com/L2vQ3Cxvck
— Silvia (@rheasilviaparis) December 2, 2022
Demnas apology and explanation doesn’t make what they did forgivable. There is just no acceptable explanation for child exploitation and the promotion of child abuse and pedophilia. #Balenciaga #Demna #ProtectTheChildren #BalenciagaGate
— Rachel Suter (@RachelSuter) December 3, 2022
Apologies or not but Demna is forever cancelled. #canceldemna
— L (@xxphdtobe) November 25, 2022
Also Read: Netizens React To Kanye West Posts Image Of Swastika Inside The Star Of David On Twitter
