Zara Regrets ‘Misunderstanding’ Over Photoshoot After Gaza Boycott Calls
Zara Responds to Controversial Advertising Campaign
Fashion brand Zara expressed regret on Tuesday for the “misunderstanding” surrounding an advertising campaign featuring mannequins with missing limbs and statues wrapped in white. The controversial photos triggered calls for a boycott by some pro-Palestinian activists.
Zara’s Apology and Removal of Offensive Images
Zara acknowledged that some customers felt offended by the images and immediately removed them. The brand posted on its Instagram account, stating, “Unfortunately, some customers felt offended by these images, which have now been removed, and saw in them something far from what was intended when they were created.”
Public Outcry and Brand Response
Following the release of the controversial images, Zara’s Instagram account was inundated with tens of thousands of comments, many featuring Palestinian flags. The hashtag “#BoycottZara” was also trending on messaging platforms. Critics of the campaign likened the images to photos of corpses in white shrouds in Gaza.
Zara’s Statement and Image Removal
In response to the public outcry, Zara expressed regret over the misunderstanding and emphasized its deep respect for everyone. The brand promptly scrubbed six posts showcasing the campaign from its Instagram page.
Inspiration Behind the Collection
During the launch of the collection on December 7, Zara had mentioned that it drew inspiration from men’s tailoring from past centuries. The campaign photos depicted an artist studio setting with various props and assistants wearing overalls.
