What Happened with Balenciaga?

Balenciaga has landed in hot water. The Spanish fashion house's holiday advertising campaign sparked outrage on social media, with Kim Kardashian and other celebrities speaking out against it. So, what are the specifics of the dispute? Here's a rudnwon.

According to the New York Post, Cosmopolitan UK, and Fox News, Balenciaga's holiday campaign enraged social media users and activists. 

One campaign advertisement featured child models holding the brand's "plush bear bags," which included teddy bears dressed in bondage gear. Another advertisement for its "Hourglass" handbag included court documents citing Supreme Court cases on child pornography.

Last week, Balenciaga apologized on its Instagram Story.

"We sincerely apologize for any offense caused by our holiday campaign," the company wrote. "Our plush bear bags should not have been featured in this campaign with children...." We strongly condemn all forms of child abuse. We advocate for the safety and well-being of children".

In response to the inclusion of court documents in its campaign, the fashion label stated that it is pursuing legal action against "the parties responsible for creating the set and including unapproved items."

According to the New York Post, Balenciaga filed a $25 million lawsuit against production company North Six, Inc. and set designer Nicholas Des Jardins on Friday for the use of legal documents in the campaign.

Gabriele Galimberti, one of the campaign's photographers, also commented on the scandal, claiming that he had no involvement in the photoshoot's setup.

"As a photographer, all I was asked to do was light the given scene and take the shots in my signature style," Galimberti wrote on Instagram. "As is customary for commercial photography, the direction of the campaign and the selection of the objects displayed are not in the photographer's hands."

On Sunday, Balenciaga ambassador Kim Kardashian issued a statement via her Instagram Story.

The "disturbing images" left the reality-TV star turned beauty mogul "shaken." Kardashian also stated that she is rethinking her professional relationship with Balenciaga.

"I have been quiet for the past few days, not because I haven't been disgusted and outraged by the recent Balenciaga campaigns," Kardashian wrote. "Child safety must be prioritized, and any attempt 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," she continued. Speaking with them, I believe they understand the gravity of the situation and will take the necessary steps to ensure that it never happens again."

Kanye West, a rapper and fashion designer, has spoken out against Balenciaga, as have Bethenny Frankel, a television personality and entrepreneur, and activist Lila Rose.