CFDA CEO Steven Kolb Suspended After Physically Confronting PETA Activists at Cos Show in New York
On Sunday, Fashionista released videos featuring Steven Kolb, the CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), engaging with PETA activists during a runway show in New York. The demonstrators held signs denouncing the exploitation of sheep. The footage shows Kolb ripping a sign, holding back one activist, and silencing another. While no injuries were reported, PETA's Mason Melito indicated a possible complaint. Reactions from attendees were mixed, and Kolb faced significant online criticism, leading to calls for action from the CFDA. On Monday, the CFDA announced his suspension, describing the situation as "impossible to manage." Kolb acknowledged his inappropriate response and apologized on social media, expressing his intention to seek professional help.
Key facts
- Fashionista published videos on Sunday showing CFDA CEO Steven Kolb physically confronting PETA activists at a New York runway show.
- The show was by Cos, a brand of the Swedish fast-fashion group H&M.
- Activists carried signs against the exploitation of sheep for clothing and accessories.
- Footage shows Kolb tearing a sign from an activist's hands, forcing her to the ground, covering her mouth and restraining her with his legs.
- No activists were injured; activist Mason Melito said PETA is considering filing a complaint.
- The CFDA said Monday that Kolb had been suspended.
- Four board members told the New York Times the scandal created a situation "impossible to manage."
- Kolb said he "reacted inappropriately" and later apologized on social media, saying he would contact a "professional" to prevent similar events.
Entities
Artists
- Steven Kolb
- Mason Melito
- Caitlin Ochs
Institutions
- PETA
- Council of Fashion Designers of America
- CFDA
- Cos
- H&M
- Fashionista
- New York Times
- Peta
Locations
- New York
- United States
- Sweden