Swatch says sorry for ‘slanted eyes’ ad after social media backlash in China

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Chinese residents have expressed dismay and anger after Swiss watchmaker Swatch released ads featuring images of an Asian male model pulling the corners of his eyes up and backwards in a “slanted eye” pose. The company said that it has “taken note of the recent concerns” and removed all related materials worldwide. Swatch announced the steps with an apology posted in both Chinese and English on its official account on the Chinese social media platform Weibo on August 16, 2025.