Kanye West is one of the most influential and widely-known figures in the music industry, and his outspoken nature has caused controversy many times before. Recently, his comments have caused Adidas to drop him from their roster of sponsored athletes, leaving many people wondering what exactly he said and why it caused such a reaction. In this article, we’ll explore the comments Kanye made, the response from Adidas, and what this means for the future of his career.
Kanye West was dropped by Adidas in 2019 after he made inflammatory comments about slavery being a “choice.” The rapper made the remarks during an interview with TMZ, which caused Adidas to release a statement denouncing West’s views and confirming that they would no longer be working together. Adidas had been collaborating with West since 2013, with their partnership including the popular Yeezy sneaker line.
Kanye West’s Controversial Comments That Ended His Adidas Partnership
Kanye West has been known to make controversial statements and his comments about slavery in the summer of 2018 were no exception. The comments, which caused a public outcry, ultimately led to Adidas dropping West as one of their partners. In this article, we’ll take a look at what Kanye said and how it ultimately caused Adidas to sever ties with the rapper.
Kanye West has been a vocal critic of the media and the music industry for years. In June 2018, he made comments on TMZ Live that caused a public uproar. The rapper claimed that “400 years of slavery sounds like a choice” and that it was the “mentality” of black people that kept them enslaved. His comments were widely criticized by the public, politicians, and celebrities alike.
Kanye’s Response to the Controversy
In the wake of the controversy, Kanye made a public apology. He stated that he was wrong for making the comments and that he was “sorry for the one-two punch of the MAGA hat and the slave comment.” He also expressed his regret for not being able to “speak out” about his views in a more “constructive” way.
Despite the apology, the damage had already been done. The public outcry against Kanye’s comments was so great that it caused a number of his sponsors to drop him. Adidas, which had been one of Kanye’s biggest supporters, decided to sever ties with the rapper.
Adidas’s Statement on the Matter
Adidas issued a statement regarding the decision to drop Kanye. The company stated that they “believe in the power of sport to bring people together” and that Kanye’s comments were “in direct opposition” to the values they stand for. They also stated that they “do not support or condone his recent words and actions.”
Kanye’s Ongoing Relationship with Adidas
Despite Adidas’s decision to drop Kanye, the two have maintained an ongoing relationship. In 2019, Adidas released a new sneaker line designed by Kanye, titled the Yeezy Boost 700. The company also launched a new line of apparel designed by Kanye in collaboration with Gap, which is owned by Adidas.
The Long-Term Impact of Kanye’s Comments
Kanye’s comments have had a long-lasting impact on his public image and his relationship with Adidas. His comments caused a public outcry and led to Adidas dropping him as one of their partners. Although the two have since reconciled, Kanye’s comments still serve as a reminder of the power of words and how they can have far-reaching consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Did Kanye West Say That Caused Adidas to Drop Him?
Answer: In July 2020, Adidas announced that it was ending its partnership with Kanye West after he made a series of controversial statements. The statements included his claims that Harriet Tubman “never actually freed the slaves,” his praise for President Donald Trump, and his suggestion that slavery was a “choice.” These statements sparked widespread condemnation and caused Adidas to terminate its relationship with Kanye.
Why Did Adidas Drop Kanye West?
Answer: Adidas decided to drop Kanye West as a collaborator after he made a series of controversial statements that sparked widespread condemnation. These statements included his claims that Harriet Tubman “never actually freed the slaves,” his praise for President Donald Trump, and his suggestion that slavery was a “choice.” Adidas determined that these statements did not align with its values, and so it chose to terminate its relationship with Kanye.
How Long Was Adidas’ Partnership With Kanye West?
Answer: Adidas partnered with Kanye West in 2013, when the two parties signed an agreement for the rapper to design a line of shoes and apparel for the company. The two worked together for seven years until Adidas terminated the partnership in July 2020 due to Kanye’s controversial statements.
What Was Adidas’ Response To Kanye’s Statements?
Answer: Adidas released a statement saying that it “condemns the use of unacceptable language and insensitive remarks” and that it had “chosen to end its partnership with Kanye West.” The statement emphasized that Adidas’ values “do not have any place for insensitive remarks that are not reflective of the brand’s belief in diversity, equality, and fairness.”
What Did Kanye West Say About Slavery?
Answer: During a May 2019 interview on TMZ Live, Kanye West suggested that slavery was a “choice.” He said, “When you hear about slavery for 400 years… for 400 years? That sounds like a choice.” His statement sparked widespread condemnation and led to Adidas terminating its partnership with him.
What Other Controversial Statements Did Kanye Make?
Answer: In addition to his suggestion that slavery was a “choice,” Kanye West made several other controversial statements. He claimed that Harriet Tubman “never actually freed the slaves,” praised President Donald Trump, and suggested that the 13th Amendment should be abolished. These statements all contributed to Adidas’ decision to terminate its partnership with Kanye.
Kanye West Dares ADIDAS To Drop Him Over Anti-Semitic Comments
Kanye West’s comments caused Adidas to drop him as a brand ambassador and collaborator. His words, which were widely perceived as offensive and inappropriate, showed a lack of sensitivity and respect for those in the LGBTQ+ community. While the public is divided on this issue, it’s clear that Adidas was unwilling to risk further negative publicity and potential backlash from customers by continuing to associate with West. In the end, this decision shows that a company can act swiftly to distance itself from controversy, even when it involves a high-profile figure like Kanye West.
