Following controversial comments, Adidas has terminated their partnership with Ye.
Recently, Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, has become a deeply controversial figure following a string of inflammatory comments, many of which have been antisemitic in nature. Ye’s comments and behavior have led to pressure on his various sponsors and business partners, pressuring them to end their dealings with him. One of Ye’s biggest sponsors, German sportswear giant Adidas, announced today that they are doing just that.
“Adidas does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech,” the company said in a press release. “Ye’s recent comments and actions have been unacceptable, hateful and dangerous, and they violate the company’s values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect and fairness.”
“After a thorough review, the company has taken the decision to terminate the partnership with Ye immediately, end production of Yeezy branded products and stop all payments to Ye and his companies. Adidas will stop the Adidas Yeezy business with immediate effect.”
Various anti-racism groups, including the Anti-Defamation League, Antisemistism.com, and the International Legal Forum, have all praised Adidas for their decision to cut ties with Ye.
“In the end, Adidas’ action sends a powerful message that antisemitism & bigotry have NO place in society,” the ADL said in a statement.
Adidas’ severance follows several other major fallouts with Ye. Last week, French fashion house Balenciaga confirmed they would no longer be doing business with him, and yesterday, talent agency CAA officially dropped Ye as a client. Ye was also recently banned from both Twitter and Instagram for his comments.