Zara makes a statement: Backtrack on campaign interpreted as a reference to Palestine

In the collection promoted by American model Kristen McMenamy, it is seen that a mannequin is wrapped in a piece of white cloth resembling a shroud, and a setting resembling rubble is chosen.

Activists who deemed these images scandalous filed complaints on the grounds that the white-wrapped mannequins in the photos used in the new campaign, which Zara shared on the social media platform Instagram, resembled lifeless bodies wrapped in white sheets in Gaza. 

The phrase "#BoycottZara" also trended on X, another social media platform.

APOLOGIZED

Following the growing backlash on social media, a statement regarding the issue came from Zara.

Here is Zara's apology statement:

"The image, which forms part of a series of visuals of unfinished sculptures found in an artist's studio, has received negative feedback from some of our customers, so we have decided to remove this image. We apologize for the misunderstanding, as this was certainly not our intention.

Zara is a global brand with customers and employees from many geographies and cultures, with a wide variety of social, cultural expressions or beliefs.

Since diversity is one of our core values, Zara has a deep respect for all of them. We apologize to everyone for these misunderstandings that occurred without any intent. We are committed to listening to all our stakeholders and working constantly to improve as a brand."

Although Zara said, "That was not our intention," boycott protests continued.

THEY WITHDREW THE CAMPAIGN

Following these events, another statement came from Zara. The brand announced that it had removed the photos related to the campaign that sparked the backlash.

The UK's Advertising Standards Authority announced that it had received 110 complaints regarding Zara's campaign and stated, "We will not be taking any further action as Zara has removed the advertisement."