TikTokers are filming themselves while they burn, cut up, and throw away Balenciaga products in protest of the brand’s controversial holiday ad campaign involving children holding teddy-bear bags accessorized with what appeared to be bondage gear.
Balenciaga apologized and removed the ads from social media on November 22, following accusations that they sexualized young children.
In a social-media statement, the brand wrote, “We sincerely apologize for any offense our holiday campaign may have caused. Our plush bear bags should not have been featured with children in this campaign.” The brand added that it strongly condemns the “abuse of children in any form.”
Online users are continuing to speak out against Balenciaga on social media following the brand’s apology. The hashtag #cancelbalenciaga has 70 million views on TikTok, where people are discussing their thoughts on the controversial images.
They are now also publicly destroying or discarding their own Balenciaga products.
