Swiss watchmaker Swatch apologized on Saturday (Aug. 16) for a promotional image featuring "slanted eyes" — a gesture widely regarded as offensive to Asians.
"We have taken note of the recent concerns regarding the portrayal of a model in images for the Swatch ESSENTIALS Collection. We treat this matter with the utmost importance and have immediately removed all related materials worldwide. We sincerely apologize for any distress or misunderstanding this may have caused, the Swiss watchmaker said."
Swatch has come under fire for a promotional image featuring "slanted eyes". The photo depicted a male model making an exaggerated "slanted eyes" expression, a racial stereotype considered derogatory toward East Asians.
Many Chinese netizens and bloggers have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the alleged Swatch's recent advertising image, questioning how a photo considered discriminatory against Asians passed the company's review process and was published.
Swatch Group, the company behind the controversial ad, is one of the world's largest watch manufacturers and distributors. In addition to its basic Swatch line, the group owns well-known brands such as Longines, Tissot, Omega, and Breguet.
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