Adidas modifies controversial advertising campaign with Bella Hadid

In the face of criticism from Israel, sports goods manufacturer Adidas has announced that it will be modifying its advertising campaign for the revival of a running shoe originally designed for the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. The Israeli government had taken offence at the fact that model Bella Hadid had been chosen as the face of the campaign. Adidas has not said what changes will be made.

Bella Hadid’s father is Palestinian, and Israel has accused him of making anti-Israeli statements in the past, accusing him of anti-Semitism.

The 1972 Summer Olympics were marred by an attack that claimed the lives of eleven Israeli athletes and officials. The attack was carried out by Palestinian terrorists.

“We are aware that links have been made to tragic historical events – however unintentional – and we apologise for any upset or distress this may have caused,” said Adidas in a statement. “It is for this reason that we are revising the campaign. We believe in sport as a unifying force around the world and will continue our efforts to promote diversity and equality in everything we do.”