Why Honey Singh Burned Balenciaga: The Full Story

Why Yo Yo Honey Singh burned his Balenciaga clothes amid a 2022 scandal, explore the controversy and its impact.

Introduction: A Bold Statement At A Wedding

In June 2024, Indian rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh made headlines at actress Sonakshi Sinha’s wedding reception when he spotted a photographer wearing Balenciaga.

“Why are you wearing Balenciaga here?” he asked, adding, “Never wear Balenciaga. Look it up on Google; there is a bad controversy about it. I have burned all my Balenciaga clothes. They are bad people.”

This fiery statement reignited discussions about a 2022 Balenciaga ad campaign accused of sexualizing children, sparking global outrage.

However, what exactly happened, and why did Honey Singh take such a drastic step?

Let us dive into the controversy, aftermath, and the rapper’s bold stance.

Who Is Yo Yo Honey Singh?

Before we unpack the controversy, let’s get to know Yo Yo Honey Singh, the man behind the headlines.

Hirdesh Singh, known as Yo Yo Honey Singh, is a trailblazing Indian rapper, singer, and music producer who revolutionized the Indian music scene in the early 2010s.

Born on March 15, 1983, in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, Honey Singh rose to fame with hits like Angrezi Beat, Brown Rang, and Lungi Dance.

His blend of Punjabi folk, hip-hop, and Bollywood beats made him a household name, earning him both adoration and criticism for his bold lyrics and larger-than-life persona.

Honey Singh’s influence extends beyond music.

He’s a cultural icon known for his outspoken nature and willingness to address social issues.

His decision to publicly denounce Balenciaga aligns with his history of taking strong stands through music or public statements.

In 2024, his legacy was further cemented when the original Angrezi Beat video, shot 13 years earlier, trended again, proving his enduring popularity.

The Balenciaga Controversy: What Happened?

In November 2022, Balenciaga, a Spanish luxury fashion brand founded in 1919 by Cristóbal Balenciaga, was at the center of a global scandal.

The controversy stemmed from two ad campaigns that sparked accusations of promoting inappropriate themes involving children.

Here’s a breakdown of the key events:

The Campaigns in Question

1. Balenciaga Gift Shop Campaign (Holiday 2022):
   • This campaign, released on November 16, 2022, featured children holding plush teddy bear bags dressed in bondage-inspired outfits, including harnesses and costumes.
   • The set included items like wine and beer glasses, which many deemed inappropriate for a child-centric campaign.
   • Photographed by Gabriele Galimberti, the campaign was criticized for sexualizing children and promoting BDSM themes in an unsuitable context.
2. Spring/Summer 2023 Campaign:
   • This campaign, featuring celebrities like Bella Hadid, Isabelle Huppert, and Nicole Kidman, included a prop—a Balenciaga x Adidas bag placed on a desk with documents from the 2008 U.S. Supreme Court case United States v. Williams, which addressed child pornography laws.
   • Including these documents was seen as insensitive and suggestive, amplifying the backlash from the first campaign.

Public Reaction

The campaigns triggered immediate outrage:

• Social media platforms, especially X and TikTok, saw the #cancelBalenciaga trend gain traction, with users accusing the brand of condoning pedophilia and child exploitation.
• Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, a long-time Balenciaga ambassador, publicly reevaluated their relationship with the brand.
• Videos of consumers destroying Balenciaga products surfaced online, reflecting widespread anger.

Balenciaga’s Response

Balenciaga acted swiftly to contain the damage:

• Apology: The brand issued multiple apologies via Instagram, condemning child abuse and admitting “grievous errors” in the campaigns. They stated, “We strongly condemn child abuse; it was never our intent to include it in our narrative.”
• Removal of Content: All controversial images were removed from their website and social media.
• Legal Action: Balenciaga filed a $25 million lawsuit against North Six Inc., the production company for the Spring/Summer 2023 campaign, and set designer Nicholas Des Jardins, claiming unauthorized props were used.
• Internal Reforms: Creative director Demna promised a “more mature and serious approach” to future campaigns and announced partnerships with child welfare organizations.

Despite these efforts, the controversy left a lasting stain on Balenciaga’s reputation, with some, like Honey Singh, refusing to forgive the brand.

Honey Singh’s Stance: Why Burn The Clothes?

Honey Singh’s dramatic claim of burning his Balenciaga clothes was a symbolic protest against the brand’s 2022 campaigns.

His comments at Sonakshi Sinha’s wedding reception in June 2024, reported by outlets like News18 and Times Now, suggest a deep personal disapproval.

Here’s why his reaction resonated:

A Public Denouncement

• Context: At the wedding reception, Honey Singh noticed a photographer wearing Balenciaga and immediately called it out, saying, “Balenciaga kabhi nahi pehanna. Google karna, ek controversy hai bahut gandi Balenciaga ke upar.” (Translation: “Never wear Balenciaga. Google it, there’s a terrible controversy about it.”)
• Symbolism: Burning clothes is a powerful gesture, often associated with rejecting values or ideologies. Whether literal or figurative, Honey Singh’s statement amplified the #cancelBalenciaga movement in India.

Alignment with Public Sentiment

• Honey Singh’s reaction echoed the global backlash. His blunt language—“They are bad people”—reflected the anger felt by many who viewed Balenciaga’s campaigns as crossing ethical lines.
• As a public figure, his stance brought renewed attention to the issue, especially in India, where Balenciaga has a growing market among celebrities and influencers.

Cultural Context

• In India, where family values and child welfare are deeply ingrained, the accusations against Balenciaga were particularly inflammatory. Honey Singh’s response resonated with fans who saw him as standing up for moral standards.
• His candid, inebriated remarks at the wedding (he admitted to drinking after 1.5 years of sobriety) added a layer of authenticity, making his outburst feel raw and genuine.

Timeline Of The Controversy

To provide clarity, here’s a detailed timeline of the key events:

This table organizes the sequence of events, making the controversy’s progression easy to follow.

Balenciaga’s Recovery Efforts

Since the 2022 scandal, Balenciaga has worked to rebuild its image:

• Leadership Changes: In November 2024, Gianfranco Gianangeli replaced Cédric Charbit as CEO. Pierpaolo Piccioli was announced as the new creative director, effective July 2025, signaling a fresh creative direction.
• Brand Ambassadors: Balenciaga appointed high-profile ambassadors like Nicole Kidman, Michelle Yeoh, and Kim Kardashian to restore its celebrity appeal.
• Ethical Initiatives: The brand partnered with child welfare organizations and received a PETA award in December 2023 for a vegan coat, emphasizing sustainability and ethics.
• Toned-Down Aesthetics: Post-scandal collections, like the Fall 2024 show, balanced provocative elements with neutral palettes, aiming to reconnect with Balenciaga’s couture roots.

However, not everyone is convinced. Critics like LN-CC’s Steve Salter argue that Balenciaga’s return to provocative shows may reflect corporate pressure rather than genuine reform.

Honey Singh’s Influence And The Indian Context

Honey Singh’s outburst wasn’t just a personal stance; it had broader implications in India:

• Cultural Resonance: In a country where child welfare is a sensitive topic, Honey Singh’s comments struck a chord. His fans praised his boldness, with social media posts like, “Honey Singh’s era is back!”
• Celebrity Influence: As a trendsetter, Honey Singh’s rejection of Balenciaga may influence Indian consumers and celebrities to reconsider their association with the brand.
• Social Media Amplification: The incident went viral on platforms like Reddit and Instagram, with Viral Bhayani calling Honey Singh a “true legend.”

Broader Implications For The Fashion Industry

The Balenciaga controversy and Honey Singh’s reaction highlight critical issues in fashion:

• Ethical Marketing: Brands must prioritize sensitivity, especially when involving children. The backlash underscores the need for diverse decision-making teams to avoid cultural missteps.
• Celebrity Power: Public figures like Honey Singh can amplify consumer movements, holding brands accountable.
• Consumer Awareness: The #cancelBalenciaga trend shows how social media empowers consumers to demand ethical standards from luxury brands.

Comparison: Balenciaga Vs. Other Fashion Controversies

To put Balenciaga’s scandal in perspective, here’s a comparison with other notable fashion controversies:

This table illustrates that while fashion controversies are not new, Balenciaga’s case was particularly severe due to its association with child welfare, making Honey Singh’s reaction part of a larger pattern of consumer backlash.

Conclusion: A Call For Accountability

Yo Yo Honey Singh’s decision to burn his Balenciaga clothes—whether literal or symbolic—was a powerful statement against a brand that crossed ethical lines.

The 2022 Balenciaga controversy, with its troubling ad campaigns, sparked a global conversation about responsibility in fashion.

Honey Singh’s outspoken criticism at Sonakshi Sinha’s wedding brought this issue to the forefront in India, reminding us of the power of public figures in shaping consumer behavior.

As Balenciaga works to rebuild its reputation, the incident serves as a cautionary tale for brands to prioritize ethical marketing.

For fans of Honey Singh, his bold stance reinforces his image as a fearless artist who speaks his mind.

What’s your take on this controversy?

Have you followed other fashion scandals?

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Trivia: Did You Know?

Honey Singh’s original Angrezi Beat video, shot in Thailand in 2011, was shelved due to concerns over its bold content. It resurfaced in 2024, trending on social media and proving his lasting impact. Fans celebrated it as a reminder of his risk-taking creativity, much like his bold stance against Balenciaga.

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THOUSIF Inc. - INDIA

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