Kanye West, one of the world’s most recognizable musicians, recently made headlines when he spoke out against Adidas and Nike, two of the world’s biggest sports brands. Many were surprised by his comments and were left wondering what he said that caused Adidas to cut ties with him. In this article, we will explore what Kanye said to lose Adidas and what the implications are for the music and sports industries.
Kanye West’s Comments That Cost Him His Adidas Deal
Kanye West is one of the most influential artists in the world. His influence in the music industry and fashion world has been undeniable. However, in 2020, West’s controversial comments cost him his deal with Adidas, one of the world’s largest sportswear manufacturers. The statement in question has been widely reported and dissected in the media and across social media platforms. In this article, we will explore what Kanye said, the implications of his statement, and the fallout that followed.
What Did Kanye Say?
Kanye West made several comments that caused a stir in the media and public outrage. In a tweet, he declared “abolish the 13th amendment,” referring to the amendment that abolished slavery. He then doubled down on his comments in an interview, saying that “when people have a right to love who they want to love, that is the fight for true freedom.” He later clarified his statement, saying that he was referring to prison labor, but the damage had already been done.
Implications of His Comments
The implications of Kanye’s comments were far-reaching. His comments were seen as insensitive and inflammatory, and many felt that he was trivializing the struggle and suffering of African Americans. Public outcry was swift, and many of West’s supporters, including Adidas, were quick to distance themselves from his comments.
The Fallout from His Comments
Kanye West’s comments caused a significant backlash. Adidas was one of the first companies to distance itself from West, severing ties with him and ending their longtime partnership. Other companies, including Gap and Netflix, also followed suit and ended their partnerships with West.
Kanye’s Apology
In the wake of the controversy, Kanye West issued an apology on Twitter, saying that he did not intend to hurt or offend anyone and that his comments were taken out of context. He went on to say that he was disappointed in himself and that he was sorry for the hurt he had caused.
Adidas’ Response
Adidas’ response to Kanye’s apology was a firm one. In a statement, the company said that it was “deeply disappointed” in Kanye’s comments and that it was severing ties with him “effective immediately.” The company went on to say that it was committed to standing for “openness, diversity and inclusion” and that it would not tolerate “any form of racism, discrimination or disrespect.”
The Impact of Kanye’s Comments
Kanye West’s comments had a lasting impact on his career. He lost one of his most lucrative partnerships, and his reputation took a hit. His comments also sparked a larger conversation about race and freedom of speech in America. While the controversy has mostly died down, the impact of his comments can still be felt today.
Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions
What Did Kanye Say to Lose Adidas?
Answer: In 2018, Kanye West made a series of controversial statements on Twitter. He wrote that slavery was a choice and expressed support for President Donald Trump. These statements caused Adidas to sever its partnership with Kanye and his apparel brand, Yeezy. Adidas stated that the comments were “in no way aligned” with their values.
What Was the Reaction of Adidas to Kanye’s Comments?
Answer: Adidas released a statement on June 5, 2018 that they were no longer going to work with Kanye West. They said that they were “deeply concerned” by his comments and that they “in no way aligned” with their values. Adidas also stated that they had ended their relationship with Kanye and his apparel brand, Yeezy.
What Was the Impact of Adidas’s Decision?
Answer: Adidas’s decision to sever ties with Kanye West had a significant impact on both parties. Yeezy had been a major source of revenue for Adidas since 2015, and the company had been investing heavily in the brand. The split also hurt Kanye’s public image, as his comments had been widely criticized.
How Did Kanye Respond to Adidas’s Decision?
Answer: Initially, Kanye was defiant and tweeted that he was still a “free thinker” and that he would still be making “the best product.” However, in a later tweet, he apologized for his comments and admitted that he had “failed to communicate clearly.” He also thanked Adidas for their support over the years.
How Has the Relationship Between Adidas and Kanye Changed Since 2018?
Answer: Since 2018, Adidas and Kanye have maintained a more cordial relationship. In 2019, Adidas announced that they were renewing their partnership with Kanye, citing the success of Yeezy products and Kanye’s efforts to support the African-American community. The two parties have since worked together on a number of projects, including Yeezy shoes and apparel.
What Has Been the Impact of Adidas’s Renewed Partnership With Kanye?
Answer: Adidas’s renewed partnership with Kanye has had a significant impact on the company. The Yeezy brand has continued to be a major source of revenue for Adidas, and the collaboration has helped to boost the company’s public image. Moreover, the partnership has helped to shine a spotlight on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry.
#Adidas Cuts Ties With #KanyeWest
In conclusion, it is clear that Kanye West’s choice of words in his Twitter outburst caused Adidas to rethink its relationship with the artist. Despite his apology, the company chose to end its association with West, citing his damaging comments as the primary reason. Despite this setback, Kanye’s career is far from over and he will continue to make music and push the boundaries of creativity. It is clear that Adidas’ decision to terminate the relationship was motivated by the strong public outcry and ultimately Kanye’s own words that caused the rift.
