Allegations of racism
Swatch withdraws advertising campaign in China and apologizes
In an economically difficult time: advertising from the watch manufacturer Swatch causes outrage in China. The reason is a racist gesture.
The Swiss watch manufacturer has due to allegations of racism Swatch Returned an advertising campaign and apologized to the public. In advertising, an Asian man could be seen who pulled his eyes to slit with his fingers. The pictures for the “Swatch Essentials” collection had caused outrage on the Internet in China. Many users saw this a imitation of racist gestures.
Swatch comments on Chinese platform Weibo
In a explanation published on the Weibo online platform in Chinese and English, Swatch announced that the concerns had been taken into account and the entire associated material was removed worldwide. “We sincerely apologize for all irritations or misunderstandings that have arisen,” said the explanation, which was also published on Instagram.
For Swatch, which also includes brands such as Omega, Longines and Tissot, the Chinese market is of crucial importance. Around 27 percent of group sales were in the region last year ChinaHong Kong and Macau achieved.
The incident occurs for the watch manufacturer at an economically difficult time. In 2024, sales broke up by 14.6 percent to CHF 6.74 billion. At that time, Swatch cited “persistently difficult market conditions and an overall weak demand for consumer goods” in China as the reason.
Reuters
nik
Source: Stern
