Steven Kolb, the CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), has taken a voluntary leave from his position following an incident at a New York Fashion Week runway show on Sunday. Kolb physically restrained animal rights activists who were protesting the use of sheep's wool by H&M-owned brand COS.
Videos of the incident, which showed Kolb grabbing at least two activists and covering one's mouth while she was on the ground, circulated widely online. In a statement released on Monday, Kolb apologized for his actions, admitting that there was no justification for his behavior and that security should have handled the situation.
Kolb stated he plans to meet with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the group that organized the protest. PETA has called for H&M and COS to ban wool from their collections, asserting that Kolb's actions demonstrate how fashion industry leaders use violence to silence advocacy for animal rights.
H&M, in response, stated that it sources animal-derived fibers only from certified farms and recycled sources. A spokesperson for the company expressed regret for the incident and affirmed respect for individuals' right to express their views.
