Steven Kolb, CEO and President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), apologized after the arrest of two protesters at the COS fashion show in New York. A video released by an animal rights organization shows Kolb in a confrontation with protesters who were shouting slogans.
Details of the Incident
In the released video, Kolb appears to grab one protester's face with his hand and seems to cover their mouth. He also pulls a female protester to the ground and places his hand over her mouth. During this, while seated, Kolb places his foot on the body of the female protester.
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Apology and Consequences
Kolb wrote in his Instagram story: "My actions were wrong, and I am deeply sorry. I take full responsibility for my actions." He also added, "There is no justification for the physical restraint of another individual. Security should have handled this situation, and I should have distanced myself from it."
Following the incident, Kolb was placed on leave from CFDA, and the organization has begun an investigation into the incident. A CFDA spokesperson stated, "CFDA takes this matter very seriously, and that is why Mr. Kolb has been placed on leave pending review of his actions."
In his apology, Kolb described his leave as "voluntary" and stated that he is meeting with a specialist to ensure that this does not happen again. He wrote: "What happened was completely out of character for me, both as an individual and as a leader."
The protest was focused on the conditions that sheep experience in the wool industry. PETA announced in a Facebook post that Kolb spoke on behalf of sheep who are forcibly restrained and heavily sheared. The organization also urged Kolb to view images related to the abuse of sheep.
Kolb also apologized again in his Instagram story and expressed hope that he could personally apologize to those he had restrained. He said, "I have accepted an invitation from PETA to meet and discuss their concerns, and I hope to have the opportunity to apologize in person to the two individuals who did not deserve this treatment."
During Kolb's tenure, CFDA announced that the use of fur in any collection presented at New York Fashion Week would be banned. At that time, Kolb welcomed the decision and stated that this move would inspire American designers to think more about the impact of the fashion industry on animals.
According to his Substack account, Kolb also follows a vegetarian diet.
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Source: independent.co.uk
