CFDA CEO Steven Kolb Takes Leave After Viral NYFW Altercation With PETA Protestors | Just Jared

Steven Kolb is stepping away from his leadership duties at the Council of Fashion Designers of America following his physical confrontation with animal-rights protestors from PETA during New York Fashion Week.

The CFDA president and CEO has gone on leave while the organization reviews what happened at the COS Spring 2027 runway show on Sunday (September 13), according to Reuters.

“There is no justification for physically restraining another person. Security should have ?handled the situation, and I should have stepped back,” Kolb said in a statement on his ?Instagram ?account.

Videos circulated online after PETA activists entered the runway area to protest the fashion industry’s use of wool. The footage shows Kolb leaving his seat and physically intervening as two protestors moved through the venue. In one portion of the video, he can be seen holding a protestor on the ground and placing a hand over her mouth, in addition to wrapping a leg around her to keep her pinned.

The CFDA subsequently announced that Kolb would be on leave pending a full review of the incident. Reuters characterized the leave as voluntary. The organization also emphasized its commitment to maintaining an environment in which disagreements can be addressed respectfully.

H&M also shared a statement, saying it uses animal-derived fibers and, when possible, recycled sources.

“We are deeply sorry about the incident that occurred in connection with our AW26 show on 13 September,” a spokesperson for H&M said in ?a ?statement. “We respect everyone’s right to express their views, ?and we believe everyone should be treated with care and respect.”

Posted To:Fashion New York Fashion Week PETA Steven Kolb