Steven Kolb, CEO and president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), physically restrained a protester from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) during a New York Fashion Week show last Sunday. Two PETA activists stormed the runway during the COS brand presentation, when Kolb physically restrained them inappropriately. The incident sparked controversy and was witnessed by many people attending the event.
On Monday, Kolb used his Instagram profile to address the situation. In his stories, he acknowledged that his actions were wrong and apologized to the protesters and everyone who witnessed the incident. The executive stated there is no justification for physically restraining another person and that event security should have handled the situation.
In his statement, Kolb revealed he is voluntarily stepping away from his duties to seek professional help. He said the decision aims to ensure that situations like this do not happen again in the future. The executive said he should have stepped back when the activists appeared and took full responsibility for his actions.
