As Soccer Moses, Jars of Clay guitarist Stephen Mason finds unexpected joy
Former Christian rocker Stephen Mason’s life has been shaped by guitars, barber shears and the Bible
1970-01-01 08:00
Kim Kardashian faces backlash for posing in Balenciaga after condemning brand over child scandal
Kim Kardashian has sparked backlash for posing in an outfit by Balenciaga one year after condemning the brand’s campaign scandal. The reality star, 42, took to Instagram on 13 September to showcase her look from the brand, which she wore to the Kering Foundation’s annual Caring for Women Dinner. Her outfit choice came nearly a year after she said that she was “re-evaluating” her relationship with the brand, due to its controversial campaign of child models holding teddy bears dressed in bondage gear. For Wednesday night’s dinner, she wore a semi-sheer, pink, sparkly dress with a halter neckline and train, along with a pair of nude heels. Along with the series of photos of herself in the outfit, she also shared a snap with Nicole Kidman, who was also wearing a dress by Balenciaga. In the caption, Kardashian quipped: “Caring for women at the Kering Foundation Gala.” On her Instagram Story, the Skims founder shared another snap of herself and Kidman posing together at the dinner, along with the caption: “@balenciaga babes.” Fans have taken to the comments of Kardashian’s Instagram post to question her for publicly working with Balenciaga again after the campaign, which featured an image of a Supreme Court opinion on a child pornography case, was removed due to backlash. “Why are you both wearing Demna again,” one critic wrote, while another added: “But the brand….” A third agreed: “I seriously don’t get it. This is a simple look that she could have commissioned from any brand. I’m here because I’m a fan but this really upsets me.” Social media users have also taken the criticism to a Reddit thread, where one person posted Kardashian’s story with Kidman, and claimed that the reality star’s “outrage” towards the scandal last year “really was performative”. The Reddit user also added that they’d “never view the brand the same” way that they did due to the controversy. “I mean even when people asked her to speak out Kim really made a super neutral and vague statement,” another claimed about Kardashian’s previous remarks. “Not surprised,” a third claimed about Kardashian wearing Balenciaga. “She still supported them like a week or two after the whole incident and then tried hiding that she was wearing them.” Back in November 2022, the KKW Beauty founder first broke her silence about the campaign, noting that as mother of four children – who she shares with ex Kanye West – she was “shaken by the disturbing images” of the advertisements. “The safety of children must be held with the highest regard and any attempts to normalise child abuse of any kind should have no place in our society – period,” she wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, at the time. “I have been quiet for the past few days, not because I haven’t been disgusted and outraged by the recent Balenciaga campaigns, but because I wanted an opportunity to speak to their team to understand for myself how this could have happened.” After she explained that she was “re-evaluating [her] relationship with the brand, basing it off their willingness to accept accountability for something that should have never happened to begin with”, she added that she “appreciated” Balenciaga’s decision to issue an apology and remove the campaign. “In speaking with them, I believe they understand the seriousness of the issue and will take the necessary measures for this to never happen again,” she concluded. One month after issuing the statement, Kardashian explained why she didn’t speak out against the Balenciaga teddy bear controversy at the very beginning. “With the Balenciaga thing, everyone was like: ‘Why aren’t you speaking out? Why aren’t you speaking out?’ And I’m like: ‘Wait. I’m not in this campaign. I don’t know what’s happening. Let me take a minute to research this,’” she said. “And then as soon as I saw what everyone was seeing on the internet and the reality of the situation, I completely spoke out and gave my thoughts on child porn and completely denounced it.” She also made claims about why she believed she faced criticism amid the Balenciaga scandal, continuing: “But because I didn’t say: ‘F*** you, Balenciaga. That’s it,’ people got mad at that. So they’re mad if I don’t speak out. They’re mad if I do speak out, and if I don’t cancel.” The Independent has contacted a representative for Kardashian for comment. Read More Kim Kardashian-West repeatedly tags wrong Mert Alas in Twitter photos with her famous friends Kim Kardashian explains why she doesn't 'label' herself a feminist at Commonwealth club talk Kourtney Kardashian claims she ‘hates’ sister Kim in dramatic Kardashians trailer Cindy Crawford says her father initially thought modelling ‘form of prostitution’ See plus-size model Ashley Graham stun in Old Hollywood-inspired Harris Reed LFW show Football legend Michael Owen: My four kids all have opinions about my fashion choices
1970-01-01 08:00
Florida advises against Covid boosters for under-65s
The advice from Governor Ron DeSantis, who is running for president, contradicts US national policy.
1970-01-01 08:00
Stars auction dog walks and dinner to help crews on SAG-AFTRA strike
Would you rather have Adam Scott walk your dog, or Lena Dunham paint a mural in your house?
1970-01-01 08:00
Walmart Rolls Out Seven Flavors of ‘Stranger Things’–Themed Ice Cream
Scoops Ahoy ice cream no longer just exists on TV.
1970-01-01 08:00
MLB Rumors: Chaim Bloom almost traded Red Sox heart and soul to the Yankees
MLB Rumors: Former Boston Red Sox executive Chaim Bloom almost traded Alex Verdugo to the New York Yankees at the deadline.
1970-01-01 08:00
*NSYNC to release first new song in over 20 years for 'Trolls Band Together' movie
*NSYNC hasn't completely said "bye bye bye" to making more music together.
1970-01-01 08:00
US crude prices above $90/bbl ignite inflation worries
By Arathy Somasekhar HOUSTON Crude oil prices above $90 a barrel in the United States stirred worries that
1970-01-01 08:00
Tigers should take note from AL Central rival and protect Riley Greene come 2024
Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene has been effective whenever he has been healthy. Should the Tigers take cue from the Minnesota Twins on handling him in the future?
1970-01-01 08:00
Kevin McCarthy stares down another right-wing revolt
Facing renewed threats to his speakership, Kevin McCarthy is making a strategic bet: his critics don't have the votes to oust him -- and if they do, he'll grind it out on the floor again as he did back in January.
1970-01-01 08:00
MLB Rumors: Red Sox talk Theo Epstein, surprise Mike Trout destination, insider torches Blue Jays
The Boston Red Sox could make some big changes this offseason. Jasson Dominguez will undergo Tommy John surgery. MLB insider trashes the Blue Jays.
1970-01-01 08:00
Alex Jones spent more than $93,000 in a month, but Sandy Hook families still haven't been paid a penny, court documents show
Right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' personal spending has increased since he was ordered to pay $1.5 billion in liabilities to Sandy Hook families, none of whom has seen a penny from the disgraced Infowars host, according to court documents.
1970-01-01 08:00
