CFDA Boss Apologizes for Acting ‘Inappropriately’ Against Protesters at New York Fashion Week Show
Kolb said he acted inappropriately and should have left security to handle the interruption as PETA said activists will pursue criminal charges.
- On Sunday, Council of Fashion Designers of America CEO Steven Kolb physically restrained two activists who interrupted the Swedish brand COS Fall-Winter 2026 show, pinning one protester to the floor as models continued walking the runway.
- PETA activists interrupted the presentation as part of an ongoing campaign pressuring H&M Group to cease using wool, alleging the company sources fiber from a South African facility that treats sheep cruelly.
- Kolb apologized after the event, stating he "reacted inappropriately" and should have allowed security to manage the situation. PETA stated its activists were "assaulted" during the altercation.
- PETA announced it is "filing a police report and plan to pursue criminal charges," although protester Mason Melito stated in a phone interview that the group is "just considering our options right now."
- While the CFDA banned animal fur at New York Fashion Week last December, the organization's policy does not extend to wool. H&M Group aims to ensure 100% of its wool comes from certified responsible farms by 2026.
16 Articles
16 Articles
A Swedish COS brand, a member of the H&M group, was shown during Fashion Week in New York City on September 13, when PETA activists interrupted the platform with posters and reported the abuse of sheep whose wool used the brand.
The videos show the man grabbing the protesters, forcibly taking their placards and covering their mouths with his hand, while they shouted slogans such as "get the wool off the catwalk now."
A video from New York Fashion Week has sparked a wave of backlash, showing CFDA chief Steven Kolb restraining a female activist.
PETA Protesters Infiltrate New York Fashion Week Runway, CFDA Chief Steven Kolb Faces Allegations Of Assault
PETA protesters disrupted COS’ New York Fashion Week runway on September 13, objecting to the brand’s use of sheep wool. At least three protesters entered the runway. PETA also accused CFDA CEO Steven Kolb of assaulting two supporters. Kolb told WWD he reacted inappropriately, while PETA said it plans to file a police report and pursue criminal charges.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 89% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
