"That's Made from Skinned-Alive Leather"... 'Million-Dollar Bra' Gold Medalist Faces Criticism over Luxury Bag

Reveals 4,950-euro Dolce & Gabbana Bag on TikTok
Some Fans Criticize: "Python Leather is Animal Cruelty"

Jutta Leerdam, the 27-year-old Dutch athlete who became a global star by winning gold in the women's 1000m speed skating at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, has become embroiled in an animal cruelty controversy after revealing a luxury designer bag.

According to Dutch sports outlets Sportnieuws and Sportnius on September 6, Leerdam, while vacationing in Italy with her fiancé Jake Paul, visited a Dolce & Gabbana store and purchased a handbag from the luxury brand.

Speed skating star Yuta Leirdam revealed a luxury bag and became embroiled in an animal abuse controversy. Reuters Yonhap News / TikTok screenshot of Yuta Leirdam

She later shared an unboxing with fans on her TikTok account, showcasing the new bag. In the video, Leerdam boasted, "It's only been on the market for three days, and the store had just three of them. I bought the last piece," proudly displaying her purchase.

The product in question is Dolce & Gabbana's 'My Sicily' handbag. Foreign media reported that the bag is made of python leather and costs 4,950 euros (approximately 7.8 million KRW). Leerdam also expressed her satisfaction with the design by matching the bag with her outfit.

However, after the video was released, some fans took issue with the material of the bag. One user commented, "Snakes are skinned alive to make this bag," adding, "You should know that behind beautiful products lies tremendous animal cruelty." Another user said, "Such products should be banned," criticizing the use of python skin solely for aesthetic purposes.

Leerdam is celebrating by revealing her sports bra after winning the gold medal in the women's 1000m speed skating at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Photo by Yonhap News

On the other hand, some users praised the design of the bag, showing a split in opinions. So far, Leerdam has not made any public statement regarding the controversy.

Leerdam first reached the top of the world stage at the 2017 World Junior Championships. She quickly grew on the senior circuit, winning her first world championship gold in the team sprint at the 2019 World Championships. In 2020, she captured her first individual world title in the women's 1000m, and in 2023, she once again claimed gold in the same event, solidifying her status as the 1000m favorite.

After winning gold at this year's Winter Olympics, Leerdam attracted global attention with a sensational celebration. Immediately after her victory in the women's 1000m, she pulled down her uniform to reveal a Nike sports bra. At the time, British outlet The Sun described it as a "million-dollar celebration."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.