The brand has faced backlash since Balenciaga launched its controversial ad campaign earlier this month. A recent ad campaign for the brand’s Gift Shop line features children with plush handbags and BDSM and bondage-inspired clothing. As part of its summer 2023 advertising campaign, Garde-Robe displayed a printout of the 2008 Williams v. United States Supreme Court decision on child pornography laws. Outrage over the ads led to both ads being removed from all platforms. An outrageous New York Times article titled “When High Fashion and QAnon Collide” also sparked controversy.
In addition to providing details on the two ad campaigns, the article explains how they created an internet “storm” at Fox News. Additionally, the report sought to expose allegations that Balenciaga condoned child abuse on the internet. As the article circulated online, netizens slammed the post for mentioning the Balenciaga ad campaign and the QAnon conspiracy theory over sensitive issues. The controversy has also sparked discussion, sharing that it is a “terrible tale”.
It’s a very bad story. Also losing in politics.
— Adam B. Coleman, President, Aintblackistan (@wrong_speak) November 30, 2022
New York Times article sparks controversy over Balenciaga ad campaign and QAnon conspiracy theory
An American political conspiracy theory called QAnon revolves around claims and speculation made by an anonymous individual known as “Q”. During Trump’s presidency, a global cartel run by satanists and cannibal pedophiles conspired against him. According to this theory, a “cabal” of satanic and cannibalistic child molesters conspired against him. Many people have been accused by QAnon supporters of being part of the cabal, including Democrats, Hollywood actors, government officials and business moguls. As the QAnon conspiracy theory spread across the internet, a political movement was born. In 2018, members of the movement took part in Trump’s re-election rally and later took part in the cancellation of the results of the 2020 US presidential election. The New York Times published an article on the recent scandal surrounding the ad campaign Balenciaga’s controversial line, emphasizing the intersection of “haute couture”. and “QAnon”.
The story briefly discusses the appointment of Demna Gvasalia as artistic director of Balenciaga in 2015, and discusses at length the recent advertising scandal. A brief reference to a series of polemics related to Balenciaga. Allegations that Balenciaga condones child exploitation have fueled an internet storm towards Fox News, sparking a controversy that has been described as an apparent clash between internet culture, politics, fashion and conspiracy argument. The article also mentions how the Balenciaga controversy got a lot of media attention after being covered by right-wing outlets such as the New York Post and Tucker Carlson Tonight. A New York Times article discussing the QAnon conspiracy theory linked to the scandal has also come under scrutiny amid continued criticism of Balenciaga’s controversial children’s ad campaign. The story prompted some social media users to take to Twitter. Many believe that the outrage over the brand’s inappropriate activities is not politically motivated and has nothing to do with the QAnon conspiracy theory.
BALENCIAGA should never be forgiven.
Their children’s campaign has dozens of very obvious morbid references. So much dark symbolism. How unforgivable and criminal.
Balenciagas leaders must be held to account! #Balenciaga #Balenciaga doors Beautician #Balenciaga pic.twitter.com/KJ7rTxsqcq
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) November 24, 2022
then @New YorkTimes Titled “When Haute Couture Collides with QAnon” featured the story of Balenciaga…well, what? ! Child exploitation is not politics or conspiracy theory. We have all seen the countryside. This is why people’s trust in the media is dying. pic.twitter.com/DMDLgjDgMF
— Marlene | Life with mars (@lifewithmarblog) November 30, 2022
Best New York Times, compare people who don’t like Balenciaga campaign photos to QANON 🤗 pic.twitter.com/SdqxHX20gl
— ProfeshSnorer (@ProfeshSnorer) November 30, 2022
Just a month ago, the New York Times feared Ye’s “White Lives Matter” stunt would tarnish the Balenciaga brand.
Now they claim that concerns about Balenciaga’s penchant for child exploitation in its ads was just a QAnon plot. 🧵
— Libby Emmons (@libbyemmons) November 30, 2022
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