Zara has pulled an ad campaign that featured images of mannequins wrapped in white sheeting that angry critics claimed bore a resemblance to the carnage in the Gaza Strip.
The Spanish-based international fashion brand announced that it was taking down its campaign, titled “The Jacket,” following calls for a boycott on social media from Palestinian supporters.
Social media users posted viral videos showing protesters outside Zara locations demanding that the brand take down the ads.
“The campaign, that was conceived in July and photographed in September, presents a series of images of unfinished sculptures in a sculptor’s studio and was created with the sole purpose of showcasing craftmade garments in an artistic context,” Zara said in a statement.
“Unfortunately, some customers felt offended by these images, which have now been removed, and saw in them something far from what was intended when they were created. Zara regrets that misunderstanding and we reaffirm our deep respect towards everyone.”
The Post has sought comment from Zara.
In one image from the ad campaign, model Kristen McMenamy, is seen holding a mannequin wrapped in a cloth that looks similar to the body bags used to hold the corpses of Palestinians killed during Israeli military action in the Gaza Strip.
Another image shows McMenamy posing amidst rubble and broken drywall — which critics charge is eerily similar to the photos of destroyed homes in the Palestinian territory ruled by Hamas.
The Zara campaign also included images of mannequins with missing limbs.
The images of the ad campaign were juxtaposed on social media with photos of the aftermath of Israeli bombing raids in Gaza, which aid organizations estimate have claimed the lives of thousands.
Israel has been engaged in a two-month military campaign to root out Hamas terrorists in Gaza following the Oct. 7 cross-border assault which left some 1,200 Israelis dead.
“This has to be a part of an extremely unfortunate marketing campaign, or just openly mocking genocide,” one commenter on social media wrote.
Another Instagram commenter observed: “Even if your campaign was shot earlier in the year, it should never have been posted considering what is going on in the world.”
Others have vowed to boycott the popular retailer.
“Zara you are done for Muslims,” wrote one commenter on Instagram.
“You are straight up CANCELLED by the Arab world honestly,” another Instagram user wrote.