Why Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and Cardi B Experienced a Drop in Instagram Followers

Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and Cardi B attended the Balenciaga’s Fall 2024 Fashion Show on December 2nd, leading to a collective loss of over 850,000 followers on Instagram. The reason behind this decline can be traced back to Balenciaga’s controversial ad campaign from the previous year, which sparked significant public outrage. Despite the brand facing criticism for its questionable advertising choices, stars like Kim and Kendall continued their association with Balenciaga, facing repeated calls from fans to reconsider their support. The consequence of this persistence is now evident in the decline of their social media following. Read on to find out more.

What Is The Balenciaga Controversy?

Balenciaga faced severe backlash in November 2022 when they released a series of ads featuring children posing with items resembling bondage paraphernalia. The images depicted young children holding handbags resembling teddy bears dressed in fishnet tops and leather harnesses. Additionally, the photos included wine glasses and, in one instance, paperwork related to child pоrnоgraphy laws.

The brand received widespread criticism and accusations of condoning child exploitation. Two weeks later, Balenciaga issued an apology on Instagram, acknowledging the gravity of the errors and taking responsibility. Despite the apology, the controversy continued to linger, and the brand’s reputation remained tarnished in the eyes of the public.

Kim, Kendall, & Cardi B’s Continued Support

On December 2nd, Balenciaga hosted its Fall 2024 fashion show, attracting numerous celebrities, including Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and Cardi B. While Nicole Kidman, the new face of Balenciaga, gained followers, the three mentioned celebrities experienced a drop in their Instagram following

Kim Kardashian, adorned in nuԀe leggings and a Balenciaga jacket, lost over 300,000 followers. Kendall Jenner, in a sleeveless Balenciaga gown with a trailing black cape, faced an even larger decline, losing 500,000 followers. Cardi B, who walked the runway for Balenciaga, wearing a large blue furry coat, lost 50,000 followers. Despite their association with the brand, Nicole Kidman did not face a decline in her follower count.

Fan Reaction on Social Media

Fans expressed their discontent on social media platforms, condemning both Balenciaga and the celebrities supporting the brand. Many users on X, formerly known as Twitter, voiced their concerns, emphasizing the ongoing negаtive sentiments towards Balenciaga. Comments on Instagram posts of Cardi B reflected a similar sentiment, with fans questioning the celebrities’ decision to align with a brand associated with child exploitation.

The public backlash serves as a reminder that the controversy surrounding Balenciaga’s ad campaign has not been forgotten, and fans continue to hold both the brand and its celebrity endorsers accountable.