Swatch has apologised and removed ads after backlash in China over images of model making ‘slanted eye’ gesture
Swatch has apologised and removed ads after backlash in China over images of model making ‘slanted eye’ gesture
Swiss watchmaker Swatch has apologised and removed advertisements featuring an Asian male model making a “slanted eye” gesture, following widespread condemnation online in China.
The images, promoting the Swatch Essentials collection, were criticised for appearing to mimic racist taunts about Asian eyes. In response, Swatch posted an apology in both Chinese and English on its official Weibo and Instagram accounts.
“We sincerely apologise for any distress or misunderstanding this may have caused,” the statement said. Swatch confirmed it has removed all related materials worldwide.
Swatch Group, which also owns Omega, Longines, and Tissot, derives significant revenue from China, Hong Kong, and Macau, accounting for around 27% of total sales in 2024.
The company reported a 14.6% drop in revenue last year to 6.74 billion Swiss francs ($8.4 billion), citing weak demand and “persistently difficult market conditions” in the region.
Easily access major global news with a strong focus on Africa. As well as the main stories of the day, we like to accentuate positive stories about Africa across all genres including Politics, Business, Commerce, Science, Sports, Arts & Culture, Showbiz and Fashion.
We broadcast 24 hours a day from our studios in London and New York and can be seen here in the UK and across Europe on the Sky platform (Sky channel 516), Freeview (Channel 136) as well as in the USA on the Centric channel and also on the Hot bird platform, which transmits to Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
—
*Source: [https://www.arise.tv/category/global](https://www.arise.tv/category/global)*