Adidas is "revising" a promotional campaign for a trainer featuring Bella Hadid after criticism from Jewish groups.
Hadid is one of many famous faces featured in the campaign for SL72, which was first launched during the Munich Olympics in 1972. The campaign was meant to promote new models and colourways of the SL72 ahead of the Paris Olympics.
However, Hadid's inclusion sparked a backlash among Jewish groups online, with many linking her vocal support of Palestine to the 1972 Munich massacre.
At the Munich Olympics, 11 Israeli team members, including athletes, coaches and judges, were taken hostage by Palestinian militants who infiltrated the Olympic Village. All the captives, as well as five militants and a German police officer, died in the ensuing shootout.
"For adidas to pick a vocal anti-Israel model to recall this dark Olympics is either a massive oversight or intentionally inflammatory," the American Jewish Committee posted on X. "Neither is acceptable. We call on adidas to address this egregious error."
Hadid, whose father Mohamed Hadid is from Palestine, has long been vocal about her support for her father’s homeland. Last month, she and her sister Gigi Hadid, donated $1 million to support Palestinian relief efforts in the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.
Following the backlash, adidas swiftly issued an apology and removed all photos in the SL72 campaign featuring Hadid from its social media accounts. However, as of Friday, photos of Hadid are still on display on the brand's website.
"We are conscious that connections have been made to tragic historical events, though these are completely unintentional, and we apologise for any upset or distress caused,” an adidas statement read.
"As a result, we are revising the remainder of the campaign. We believe in sport as a unifying force around the world and will continue our efforts to champion diversity and equality in everything we do.”
Hadid is yet to comment.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
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Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
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Price: On request
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
'Operation Mincemeat'
Director: John Madden
Cast: Colin Firth, Matthew Macfayden, Kelly Macdonald and Penelope Wilton
Rating: 4/5
