TikTokers destroy their Balenciaga products in protest of company's controversial ad campaign 

TikTokers are cutting up, burning, and throwing away their Balenciaga products in protests of the company’s controversial ad campaign that allegedly promotes S&M with children. 

Balenciaga recently released its new ad campaign for its spring 2023 collection. The ad campaign featured children clutching teddy bears accessorized with what appears to be bondage gear. 

The ads sparked a wide-spread backlash from social media users, who claim that the company is sexualizing young children with their campaign. Social media users even criticized celebrities who are associated with the brand, such as Kim Kardashian and Bella Hadid. 

Balenciaga has removed the campaign since then, apologizing for the ad campaign and claiming it strongly condemns the "abuse of children in any form."

"We sincerely apologize for any offense our holiday campaign may have caused. Our plush bear bags should not have been featured with children in this campaign," the luxury brand said. 

However, for many online users, Balenciaga’s apology wasn’t enough. To speak out against the company, TikTokers are publicly destroying thousands of dollars worth of Balenciaga products on video. The hashtag #cencelbalenciaga has reached 70 million views on TikTok. 

One TikTok user that goes by the name Gianna C. Avalos shared a TikTok of her cutting up her $1,500 Balenciaga leather bag. "This is basically my everyday bag. It's not going to be anymore," she said in the clip.

@singlemomattorney Disgusted with everything else that has come to light since the release of their campaign #cancelbalenciaga #momsoftiktok #balenciaga ♬ Spooky, quiet, scary atmosphere piano songs - Skittlegirl Sound

Another video by TikToker Chloe Hennessy shows her cutting up a sweater and throwing away several items she bought from the brand, including a pair of $1,035 LED sunglasses. She said that as a mother she felt it was "really disgusting to see children being sexualized and exploited like that." 

@mcstojan_14 #balenciaga #canceled #fyp ♬ Disco - MC Stojan

@vivalapinkposh Used to love this brand but i do not and wil not support this !!!! #cancelbalenciaga #balenciaga #balenciagas #blackfriday #savethechildren ♬ Kai Cenat "I Don't Care" - Club Remix - Corey Floca