CFDA Head Steven Kolb Restrained Protesters at the COS Show

Key Points:

• During a PETA protest at the COS runway show, CFDA CEO Steven Kolb was filmed physically restraining two activists, including pinning a female protester and covering their mouths, sparking online controversy.
• Kolb apologized on Instagram, admitting he reacted inappropriately and stating that security should have handled the situation; the CFDA also agreed disruptions should be managed by security professionals.
• PETA senior campaign manager Mason Melito, one of the protesters, criticized Kolb's actions as mirroring violence in the wool industry and indicated legal steps are being considered, while seeking a meeting with Kolb.
• Witnesses described the protest as stressful and chaotic, with security largely absent despite multiple activists disrupting the show by posing as guests and holding signs against wool use.
• PETA is targeting H&M and its brand COS over alleged animal abuse in wool sourcing, following an investigation and recent protests including billboards and demonstrations near H&M stores; COS, H&M, and wool certification group Nativa have not commented.