Zara removes controversial ad, issues apology

Zara, the Spanish multinational retail clothing company that is facing backlash for its latest ad campaign which alleegdly mocks the Palestine-Israel conflict, has issued an apology for hurting people’s sentiments. The brand has said that the concept of the campaign was generated back in July and audiences are thinking far from what the brand thought.

Zara clarified that the images aimed to depict unfinished sculptures in a studio, emphasizing they were "created with the sole purpose of showcasing craftmade garments in an artistic context."

"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," stated the company.

"Zara regrets that misunderstanding and we reaffirm our deep respect towards everyone."

Despite Zara's messaging, critics labeled the brand as "tone deaf."

The ad in question features model Kristen McMenamy. The ad had mannequins with missing limbs and statues wrapped in a white shroud. Some pro-Palestine activists feel the photographs resembled images from Israel’s assault on Gaza.

Soon #boycottzara started trending on X. Following the backlash, Zara has removed the posts from its social media.