Viral footage shows top fashion boss tackling PETA protestors during New York Fashion Week runway show
Viral footage shows the fashion boss wrapping his arms around one protestor and dragging her to the floor before grabbing another activist by the face to to stop them from shouting.
Dramatic footage has emerged showing a top fashion boss tackling a protestor to the ground during a major New York Fashion Week runway show.
The bizarre brawl unfolded during Swedish brand COS’ Fall-Winter launch, when activists from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) stormed the runway, shouting “get wool off the runway now” to protest animal cruelty in the fashion industry.
Steven Kolb, the CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), was filmed grabbing the activists, snatching their printed signs and clamping his hands over their mouths.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.He was even filmed wrapping his leg around one activist, pinning her to the floor while onlookers watched in horror.
In a statement following the runway ruckus, PETA accused the CEO of “assaulting” their members, forcing the top fashion honcho to apologise for his “inappropriate” actions.
Taking to Instagram shortly after the distressing incident, Mr Kolb said: “I am deeply sorry and hold myself accountable.”
Claiming the outburst was entirely “out of character”, he admitted there was simply “no justification for physically restraining another person”, and revealing he would be taking “voluntary leave” to meet with a “professional to ensure it never happens again.”
He also confirmed he has accepted an invitation from PETA to discuss their concerns, hoping to “apologise in person to the two individuals who did not deserve that treatment”.
Shortly after the clash, PETA US released a statement calling for animal cruelty in the industry be taken seriously.
“Today’s actions show how top people in fashion use violence to silence people who expose how sheep are … killed for scarfs and sweaters,” PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk told news.com.au.
“PETA is calling on H&M and COS to ban wool from its collections and is urging everyone to shop elsewhere until they do.”
THE CFDA has confirmed Mr Kolb has been placed on leave and revealed that the organisation, which hosts New York Fashion Week, would be launching a review into the incident.
”The CFDA takes this matter very seriously and, as a result, Mr Kolb will be on leave pending review,” a spokesperson told The New York Times.
“The CFDA as an organization is committed to working with dissenting voices to find commonality and is engaged in efforts to move the American fashion industry forward while upholding the values of our membership.”
PerthNow has reached out to PETA and the CFDA for further comment.
Originally published on PerthNow
