'Israelis' upset over Prada's new ambassador Saint Levant over historic Palestine map pendant
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- Prada faced online backlash after a promotional video featuring ambassador Saint Levant wearing a historic Palestine map pendant sparked polarized reactions on social media.
Luxury fashion house Prada has found itself at the center of a polarizing online debate following the debut of its Spring/Summer 2027 Menswear Fashion Show at Fondazione Prada’s Deposito in Milan.
The controversy ignited after Prada shared a video on its official X (formerly Twitter) account showcasing its newly appointed ambassador, the Palestinian musician Saint Levant, attending the event. In the promotional footage, Saint Levant is seen wearing a pendant shaped like the map of historic Palestine, a detail that has drawn both sharp criticism and vocal defense online.
Social Media Backlash and Polarized Reactions
The post, which reached Prada’s audience of over 33 million followers, quickly became a lightning rod for political commentary. Critics on social media argued that the necklace, which outlines the borders of the region before the 1948 Israeli occupation of Palestine, effectively "erases" the "Israeli state".
"I’m all for representation of Palestinians," one user on X commented, "but Prada posting a video to their 33M+ followers of their new 'Palestinian ambassador' Saint Levant wearing a necklace shaped like the entire land with Israel erased, that’s a message."
I’m all for representation of Palestinians, but Prada posting a video to their 33M+ followers of their new “Palestinian ambassador” Saint Levant wearing a necklace shaped like the entire land with Israel erased, that’s a message.
— Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) June 26, 2026
If an Israeli, or any Jew, wore a pendant that… pic.twitter.com/mQBqgOk32P
Another highly shared post pointed to a perceived double standard in the luxury fashion industry, stating:
"If an Israeli, or any Jew, wore a pendant that included Gaza, the outrage would be instant. But erasing Israel, 'from the river to the sea,' gets a luxury campaign."
Some users took a harsher tone, referencing the famous pop-culture film by writing, "It's possible that the devil really does wear PRADA."
Who is Saint Levant?
Saint Levant is the stage name of Marwan Abdelhamid, a rapidly rising Palestinian singer, rapper, and songwriter who has gained international acclaim for his multilingual music and advocacy. Born in Jerusalem and raised in Gaza and Jordan, Abdelhamid has long used his platform to speak out about his heritage and the ongoing geopolitical conflict.
The artist has consistently described 'Israel's existence in Palestinian territories as an occupation, frequently speaking out against decades of oppression and displacement. Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, Abdelhamid has publicly accused 'Israel' of committing genocide, a stance that has made him a deeply polarizing figure globally, while cementing his status as a prominent cultural voice for Palestinian solidarity.
The Symbolism of the Pendant
Supporters of the artist emphasize that the necklace represents a vital connection to cultural identity and heritage. The pendant features the geographical map of historic Palestine before the Israeli occupation, symbolizing the land prior to the 1948 displacement and the subsequent decades-long military occupation.
Prada has not yet released an official statement regarding the social media backlash or the future of Saint Levant’s ambassadorship.
