In a recent ad campaign, fashion giant 'Zara' stirred controversy by sharing photographs resembling scenes of Palestinian suffering amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Israel.
call me insane but ZARA ’s new collection can’t be just a coincidence like there’s no way this is the advertising during these times when there’s a genocide going on pic.twitter.com/Coy3bB8bQp
— christian allister’s wife (@e_crimina1) December 9, 2023
The campaign, showcasing the Zara Atelier collection featuring model Kristen McMenamy, portrays her amidst mannequins draped in white shrouds surrounded by debris and rubble.
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Social media erupted with accusations against Zara, claiming that the imagery resembled the hardships faced by Palestinians amid Israeli oppression.
how disgusting the world we live in,
— نور 🇵🇸 (@noor_a25) December 9, 2023
how disgusting humans are when there is no humanity. #BoycottZara pic.twitter.com/u4F10hF5No
Following the backlash, the most disputed picture, featuring McMenamy holding a 'body' wrapped in white sheets, was reportedly removed from Zara's social media platforms.
THIS IS DISGUSTING BEYOND WORDS !! #BoycottZara#CeaseFirelnGazaNOW pic.twitter.com/E7vOndjaYj
— MOhammad ZAin (@Mohammadzain_) December 10, 2023
Outraged internet users condemned Zara's insensitivity, alleging the use of tragic imagery to sell fashion items and criticised the timing during the conflict.
Calls for a boycott quickly gained momentum, with users expressing dismay over what they perceived as Zara's exploitation of a humanitarian crisis.
The controversy adds to existing grievances against Zara, with some referencing past allegations of racial profiling in their stores. Critics argue that this campaign is not an isolated incident but rather a part of Zara's history of insensitivity and alleged support for Israeli extremism.
The uproar against Zara's campaign intensified as many individuals and groups advocated for a boycott, citing the fashion label's alleged exploitation of human suffering for commercial gain.
