Kim Kardashian has received after being announced as a Balenciaga brand ambassador following their 2022 campaign scandal.
Back during Christmas, Balenciaga's holiday campaign stirred quite the bit of controversy after featuring children holding teddy bears appeared to be dressed in bondage gear while surrounded by an assortment of items, including a spiked dog bowl and a love heart shaped chair.
It initially said the campaign 'iterates on the artist's series Toy Stories, an exploration of what people collect and receive as gifts'.
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But after receiving criticism online, the company issued a statement and said they sincerely apologized 'for any offence our holiday campaign may have caused'.
They added that the plush bears 'should not have featured with children in this campaign' before removing the images from 'all platforms'.
At the time, Kardashian was among those who spoke out about the campaign after a few days of silence, which she said she needed to speak to Balenciaga's team 'to understand for [herself] how this could have happened'.
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"As a mother of four, I have been shaken by the disturbing images," she wrote. "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."
She added that she 'appreciates Balenciaga’s removal of the campaigns and apology', and after having spoke with them, she said she believed they 'understood the seriousness of the issue and would take the necessary measures for this to never happen again'.
Kardashian said that she was 're-evaluating her relationship' with the brand as a result of the campaign.
However, on Monday (January 22) the reality TV star was announced as the company's new brand ambassador.
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"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," a recent statement said.
"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."
Many fans have been left far from impressed, with many flocking to social media to express their opinions.
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Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), one person commented: "So we forgot about the kid bondage thing? lol."
"So basically she said f**k Balenciaga when they were getting backlash but now that it's safe for her brand she's back??" another fan claimed.
"Even after the scandal?" a third said.
UNILAD has reached out to Kardashian's representatives and Kering, Balenciaga's parent company, for comment.
Topics: Celebrity, Kim Kardashian, Fashion
Callum Jones