Swatch apologies for the “tilted eyes” after shocking in China

Swiss Watchmaker Swatch apologized and pulled out an ad involving the model that pulls the corners of the eye after the image pushed the shock among Chinese social media users.

Critics said the posture resembled a racist “tilted eye” used for bullying Asian.

Calls for boycott Swatch products grew in Chinese social media when advertising became viral.

Swatch stated that “has taken note of recent problems relating to the model.”

“We sincerely apologize for any trouble or misunderstanding that it can cause,” the company said on Saturday.

“We treat this issue as important as possible and immediately removed all the relevant materials around the world.”

But the apology could not reassure critics.

Swatch “Fear only for profit,” said one of the Weibo users. “You can apologize but I won’t forgive.”

“They make money from us and still dare to discriminate against the Chinese. We would be soulless if we don’t boycott it from China,” said another Weibo user.

According to Reuters, Swatch receives about 27% of its revenues from China, Hong Kong and Macau, although there is a decrease in sales in China amid economic slowing.

The company also produces Omega, Longines and Tissot hours.

In recent years, Chinese consumers have organized a boycott against perceived insults of their culture or threats to national interests.

In 2021 took place widespread Chinese boycott against global fashion brands like H & M, Nike and Adidas after they expressed concern about alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang province.

Last year some Tried to boycott Japanese Uniqlo clothing store after the company said this Not a source of cotton from Xinjiang.

The Italian Fashion House Dolce & Gabbana has also been the goal of such a boycott in 2018, after it posted videos showing a Chinese model using sticks, awkwardly eating Italian food. Its products were extended from Chinese e -commerce sites and the brand canceled your Shanghai fashion show According to critics, the advertising reflects Chinese women with a stereotypical and racist way.