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"Did you forget?": Nicole Kidman hounded by angry fans

<p>Nicole Kidman, the famous Aussie star with a Hollywood career spanning four decades, has found herself embroiled in controversy after she proudly announced her collaboration with fashion house Balenciaga.</p> <p>The announcement, made via Instagram, featured Kidman showcasing the brand's latest designs during their Fall 2024 show in Los Angeles. However, the excitement from Kidman was met with a swift and vehement response from fans who couldn't overlook the brand's troubling past.</p> <p>Balenciaga had <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/why-people-are-calling-for-nicole-kidman-to-be-cancelled" target="_blank" rel="noopener">previously come under fire</a> for a controversial photoshoot that sparked widespread criticism and accusations of "paedophilia" and "child exploitation". The offending campaign featured children clad in bondage harnesses and costumes, causing an immediate uproar online. The hashtag #cancelBalenciaga trended across social media platforms at the time, putting immense pressure on the fashion brand to issue an apology.</p> <p>Despite the global backlash last year, Kidman's recent association with Balenciaga has reignited the flames of discontent. Fans flooded the comments section of her Instagram post with expressions of disappointment and frustration. One user implored Kidman, stating, "Seriously? Come on Nic. You're better than this. UGH." Another echoed the sentiment, saying, "No. You too. Did you forget? This designer has been cancelled. They promote ads the public didn't want. It was wrong."</p> <p>The criticism did not stop there, with another fan expressing their disappointment: "Well, that's disappointing, but not surprising, really." Another comment labelled Kidman's decision as "disgusting", highlighting the continued disapproval of Balenciaga's controversial past.</p> <p>This incident raises questions about celebrities' responsibilities when endorsing brands and the impact of their choices on public opinion. Kidman, who has previously shared her approach to online criticism, has made it clear that her preference is to avoid such feedback to maintain creative freedom.</p> <p>In a recent interview, she revealed, "Don't tell me, I don't really want to know – it will stop me doing what I want to do." Kidman acknowledged the existence of hurtful comments but emphasised her commitment to staying true to her choices.</p> <p>While Kidman's determination to navigate her career with a focus on personal choices and creative freedom is understandable, her association with a brand that has faced severe backlash for controversial practices inevitably places her in the centre of a heated public debate. </p> <p>As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how Kidman will address the mounting criticism and whether this incident will prompt a response from Balenciaga.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Why people are calling for Nicole Kidman to be "cancelled"

<p>Nicole Kidman has come under fire for failing to speak out against luxury fashion brand Balenciaga, with many calling for the actress to be "cancelled" over her silence. </p> <p>The big-name brand is under intense scrutiny after releasing a series of photographs showing children holding stuffed animals dressed in bondage gear to promote their new collection. </p> <p>Another image shows a hidden document referencing a real-life court case about child pornography.</p> <p>As the images began to go viral on social media, Balenciaga was accused of promoting the sexualisation of children and “child abuse”.</p> <p>Nicole Kidman has a long history of working with the brand, and stars in the luxury Spring 2023 fashion campaign.</p> <p>Other celebrities associated with the brand, such as Kim Kardashian, have spoken out in protest against Balenciaga, expressing their "disgust and outrage" over the campaign images. </p> <p>Kidman posted images of her Spring ‘23 campaign with Balenciaga to her Instagram account on November 22, around the time the controversial promo pictures were released, and has provided no comment on the controversy.</p> <p>That silence has registered with her fans, many of whom took to the comments section beneath her post.</p> <p>“Shame on you,” one user wrote.</p> <p>“Silence is deafening. So disappointed,” wrote another.</p> <div> <p>Another fan wrote, “Oh, sweet Nicole, you best remove this and cut ties with this company! Going to lose many fans.”</p> <p>“Um – have always loved you Nicole but I’m shocked you haven’t said anything about the horrendous photos that this brand you’re representing posted,” one follower said.</p> <p>Following the public outcry surrounding the images, Balenciaga deleted all its Instagram posts of the campaign and shared a statement of apology on the social media platform.</p> <div> <p>“We sincerely apologise for any offence our holiday campaign may have caused,” read the statement, which was shared last week.</p> <p>“Our plush bear bag should not have been featured with children in this campaign."</p> <p>“We have immediately removed the campaign from all platforms.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p> </div> </div>

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