A New York Fashion Week show took an unexpected turn when animal rights activists interrupted the runway. The protest became physical after CFDA CEO Steven Kolb intervened. Video of the confrontation quickly spread on social media, and Kolb later apologized for his actions.
Steven Kolb physically restrained PETA activists during their protest at the COS New York Fashion Week show
PETA activists interrupted the COS fall-winter 2026 show on September 13. They carried signs and shouted against COS and its use of wool. The event was held at the WSA building in New York. COS operates under Swedish retailer H&M Group.
Video shared by Fashionista showed Kolb confronting two protesters during the disruption. He pushed male activist Mason Melito away from the runway and grabbed his sign. Security later escorted Melito from the show.
Kolb also restrained a female activist who yelled, “get wool off the runway.” He appeared to hold her down with his legs while placing his hands over her mouth.
Models continued walking as the confrontation unfolded. Guests recorded the scene, including celebrities Sharon Stone, Michelle Williams and Lupita Nyong’o. Melito told The New York Times that he was “not physically harmed” but described the encounter as “shocking.” He also said PETA planned to file a police report against Kolb.
Kolb later addressed the incident on Instagram and acknowledged that his response was inappropriate. “I reacted inappropriately to an incident at a show earlier today,” he wrote. “It wasn’t my place to do so. I should have let the security team handle the situation.”
PETA also criticized Kolb and stated that it would consider meeting with him to discuss its concerns regarding wool production.
PETA said its activists wanted to highlight what it described as suffering among sheep used for wool. The group urged CFDA, COS and H&M Group to stop using wool and other animal materials.
