The outrage stemmed from the public’s clear memory of Balenciaga’s missteps. The ongoing scandal from 2022, and the brand's handling of it, cemented a negative perception for many. When Meghan Markle, a public figure often associated with humanitarian and ethical causes, chose to attend, it was viewed by critics as a flagrant dismissal of public sentiment and the seriousness of the issue. The contrast between her public image and her choice to attend this Balenciaga show proved to be a catalyst for the intense backlash.
The ongoing scandal's lingering shadow
The shadow of the Balenciaga scandal, particularly its insensitive ad imagery, has never fully lifted. Despite apologies from the brand's creative director Demna and dropping their lawsuit against the production company, the incident remains a major stain on Balenciaga's reputation. Many users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) had previously called for a complete boycott of the brand, making the presence of Meghan Markle, one of the world’s most famous women, all the more jarring.
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