Valkyrae revealed on a recent livestream that she cleared out her Balenciaga collection following the fashion house’s controversial 2022 ad campaigns.
The YouTube streamer and 100 Thieves co-owner said she had a “closet full of Balenciaga” before the scandal broke. She told viewers she gave all the items to family members after the brand’s “PR disaster.”
The scandal erupted in November 2022 when Balenciaga ran two ad campaigns that drew massive criticism. One featured children holding teddy-bear bags styled with bondage-inspired accessories. Another campaign image included a visible Supreme Court document related to child exploitation laws as a background prop.
The fashion house pulled both campaigns immediately. Creative director Demna issued a public apology, and Balenciaga said it would review its internal processes. The brand initially filed a lawsuit against the production company involved before later taking responsibility.
Multiple celebrities and influencers distanced themselves from Balenciaga at the time. Some have since resumed wearing the brand as it continues to release new collections and campaigns.
Not technically a donation
Valkyrae mentioned the steep price tags of Balenciaga, referencing a hoodie that cost around $1,500. She used the word “donate” while specifying the recipients were family, which is consistent with sending items to relatives in the Philippines based on her Filipino heritage.
Valkyrae’s decision to remove the brand from her wardrobe reflects how influencers navigate luxury brand affiliations when scandals hit. Her choice to give expensive pieces to family rather than selling them or donating to charity shows one approach to handling the situation.
