Watan-The French global agency, “Dior,” has announced its collaboration with a new Israeli fashion model, stating that she will replace Bella Hadid in promoting its products. This move is seen as a form of retribution against the American-Palestinian model due to her vocal support for Palestine following the Israeli-Gaza conflict.
“Dior” decided to replace Bella Hadid with the Israeli model “May Taggar” after the former expressed solidarity with the Palestinians during the month-long Israeli onslaught in Gaza.
Merely by expressing her views, Bella Hadid found herself out of the partnership with Dior, despite being the face of the brand and its prominent ambassador since 2016.
Bella Hadid and Her Support for Gaza
Bella strongly asserted her stance, declaring, “I can’t be silenced anymore because fear is not an option. The people of Palestine and their children, especially in Gaza, cannot bear our silence. We are not the brave ones; they are.”
The model of Palestinian descent expressed deep sorrow over the children’s exposure to airstrikes and massacres and condemned the Israeli campaign of destruction. She mentioned, “My heart is bleeding from the pain and shock I witness. I receive hundreds of death threats daily, and my family feels that I am in danger.”
In multiple posts, the renowned international artist stated, “I think about all the survivors of the catastrophe, our elders who are still not allowed to return to their homeland. I carry Palestine in my heart today, and every day.”
This brave and bold stance led to Bella facing a wave of threats and the termination of her partnership with the French brand, Dior.
Bella Hadid’s Response to an Israeli Minister
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir had criticized Bella Hadid’s statements, considering them hostile to Israel, and claimed that Jewish settlers had more rights than Arabs in the occupied territories.
Bella responded to Ben Gvir’s remarks in a video, saying, “Anywhere, at any time, no one’s life should be valued more than another’s, especially due to their race, culture, or pure hatred.”
It’s worth noting that Bella Hadid is a Palestinian-American fashion model, with a Palestinian father, Mohamed Hadid, and Dutch heritage from her mother. She holds American citizenship, and her mother is the former fashion model Yolanda Hadid. She began her professional career in 2014 and has appeared in campaigns for renowned global brands like Dior, Ralph Lauren, and Tommy Hilfiger.
