The fashion house has apologized for the spread. A photographer who took the photos also spoke out.

Balenciaga apologized for its latest campaign and pulled it after serious backlash online.

Gabriele Galimberti took the photos in question. They were part of his Toy Stories series in which he photographs children with their favorite toys. The ads by Balenciaga featured children surrounded with products from the fashion house, while carrying handbags that looked like teddy bears.

However, the stuffed animals were dressed in BDSM gear, including leather harnesses, chains, and fishnets. This led to complaints on social media. Another photo appeared to contain a hidden document from the Supreme Court case regarding child pornography.

Balenciaga took down all content from its Instagram account on Tuesday and removed the campaign. Balenciaga also posted a statement on its Instagram Story.

"We deeply regret any offense that our holiday campaign may cause. It was wrong for our plush bear bags to be featured in this campaign with children," it began. "We immediately removed this campaign from all platforms."

"We are sorry for including disturbing documents in our campaign. They said that they take this matter seriously and will be taking legal action against those responsible for creating the set, as well as any other items, for our Spring 23 campaign shoot. We strongly condemn any abuse of children. We are committed to children's safety and well-being.

Galimberti released a statement on Wednesday alleging that he was just told to point-and-shoot, as per his Toy Stories series.

He began, "Following the hundreds upon hundreds of hate messages and messages that I received as a consequence of the Balenciaga photos, I feel compelled make this statement." While I am not able to comment on Balenciaga’s choices, I must emphasize that I was not allowed to choose the models or products.

He said, "As a photographer I was only asked to light the scene and then take photos according to my signature style." "As is the case with commercial photography, the direction and choice of objects are not in the control of the photographer.

He said that he had "no connection" to the photo in which a Supreme Court document appears. He claimed it was taken in another set and falsely associated with mine.

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Title: Balenciaga Pulls Ad Campaign Featuring Children Holding Teddy Bears In Bondage Gear
Sourced From: toofab.com/2022/11/23/balenciaga-child-teddy-bear-ad-pulled/
Published Date: Wed, 23 Nov 2022 16:56:01 +0000

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