Kim Kardashian 'Re-Evaluating' Partnership With Balenciaga After 'Disturbing' Child Ad Campaign

Kim Kardashian is finally speaking out about the controversial Balenciaga holiday ad campaign.

Kardashian, who frequently partners with Balenciaga—she was in the brand's winter ad and Paris fashion show—called the images in the ad "disturbing" and claimed she will be assessing their relationship.

Balenciaga's new holiday ad campaign has been criticized for sexualizing children, who were photographed in provocative positions holding teddy bears outfitted in bondage.

CBS News reported:

"The ads, which were said to be to promote Balenciaga's plush bear bags, were part of the brand's holiday campaign."

"The bears, however, are wearing BDSM gear and are being held by children that appear to be no more than 5 years old."

"In one of the pictures, a child is also surrounded by what appear to be wine and cocktail glasses."

Kardashian spoke out about the controversy on both Twitter and Instagram.

She first posted:

"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."

She continued with a string of statements, first addressing the photos.

"As a mother of four, I have been shaken by the disturbing images."

"The safety of children must be held with the highest regard and any attempts to normalize child abuse of any kind should have no place in our society - period."

She followed with her appreciation of the brand's removal of the ad.

"I appreciate Balenciaga's removal of the campaigns and apology."

"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."

And finally, she spoke on her partnership with the brand moving forward.

"As for my future with Balenciaga, I am currently re-evaluating my relationship with the brand, basing off their willingness to accept accountability for something that should have never happened to begin with - & the actions I am expecting to see them take to protect children."

Many chimed in on Twitter, questioning the sincerity of Kardashian's statement.

The common thread was people will believe her stance on the issue when she cuts ties with Balenciaga.

Others shifted the attention to how it happened in the first place.

The photographer—Gabriele Galimberti—issued a statement on Instagram.

He stated he "was not entitled in whatsoever manner to neither choose the products, nor the models, nor the combination of the same."

"As a photographer, I was only and solely requested to [light] the given scene, and take the shots according to my signature style."

"As usual for a commercial shooting, the direction of the campaign and the choice of the objects displayed are not in the hands of the photographer."

Along with removing the images from all of its platforms, Balenciaga issued an apology:

"We sincerely apologize for any offense our holiday campaign many have caused."

"Our plush bear bags should not have been featured with children in this campaign."

They also stated they strongly condemn the "abuse of children in any form."