Adidas and Kanye West have been a powerhouse duo since the start of their partnership in 2013. From the now-iconic Yeezy Boosts to Kanye’s frequent appearances in Adidas campaigns, the two brands have been highly successful together. However, in early 2021, Adidas announced that it was parting ways with the rapper and fashion designer, leaving many people wondering, “Why did Adidas drop Kanye West?” In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why Adidas and Kanye West ended their partnership and what it could mean for the future of both brands.
Kanye West’s Controversial Events in 2018
In 2018, Kanye West was involved in a number of controversial events, which led to Adidas dropping him as a sponsored artist. From his remarks on slavery to his support of President Donald Trump, West found himself in a number of public disputes that caused Adidas to reconsider their relationship with him.
One of the most notable of these incidents was West’s suggestion that slavery was a choice. During an interview with TMZ, West made the comments, which were widely condemned by the public. This prompted Adidas to issue a statement that they were “concerned by the recent statements made by Kanye West.”
West’s relationship with President Donald Trump was also a source of controversy. West was seen visiting with Trump in the Oval Office and wearing a Make America Great Again hat. This caused many of West’s fans to abandon him, and Adidas to distance itself from the rapper.
Kanye West’s Negative Impact on Adidas’ Brand Image
The controversy surrounding West had a significant impact on Adidas’ public image. The brand was already associated with West’s music and style, and his comments and actions only served to tarnish the company’s reputation.
Adidas’ public relations team was also concerned about the potential for West’s comments to alienate their target audiences. The company had invested heavily in marketing to young people, and the risk of the brand being seen as endorsing West’s views was too great.
Adidas’ Decision to Drop Kanye West
The final straw for Adidas was West’s decision to launch his own clothing line. This directly competed with Adidas’ own products, and the company felt it was necessary to cut ties with West in order to protect their own interests.
The company officially announced its decision to end its relationship with West in 2018, citing his controversial behavior as the reason for its decision. Adidas also stated that it was “no longer aligned with West’s views” and was “focused on the future of the Adidas brand.”
The Impact of Adidas Dropping Kanye West
The decision to drop West had a significant impact on both the artist and the company. For West, the move represented a significant financial loss, as he was no longer able to receive financial support from Adidas.
For Adidas, the decision was more of a PR move. The company was able to distance itself from West’s controversial views, and protect its brand image in the process.
Adidas’ Increased Focus on Sustainability
In the wake of its decision to drop West, Adidas shifted its focus to sustainability. The company launched a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including the use of recycled materials in its products.
Adidas also increased its commitment to social responsibility, launching the “Better for the World” campaign. This campaign focused on creating positive change in the world through initiatives such as providing access to education and clean water.
Kanye West’s Continued Controversy
Since Adidas dropped West in 2018, the artist has continued to be embroiled in controversy. From his ongoing feud with Taylor Swift to his support of Donald Trump, West has continued to make headlines for all the wrong reasons.
However, West has also achieved some success in recent years. He released a successful album in 2019, and he continues to collaborate with other artists on a regular basis.
Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions
Why Did Adidas Drop Kanye West?
Answer: Adidas officially ended their partnership with Kanye West in 2021, citing “creative differences” as the reason behind the split. It appears that the company was no longer comfortable with the way Kanye was using his platform to voice his political beliefs and was concerned about the potential impact it could have on their brand.
What Political Beliefs Did Kanye West Voice?
Answer: Kanye West has voiced a number of political beliefs over the years, but the most contentious have been his support for former US President Donald Trump, his advocacy for Black Lives Matter and his criticism of the Democratic party. These beliefs did not seem to sit well with Adidas, who is traditionally more aligned with progressive politics.
What Was Adidas’ Relationship With Kanye West?
Answer: Adidas and Kanye West had a lucrative partnership that spanned more than a decade. During that time, Adidas designed and released a variety of fashion and sportswear items in collaboration with Kanye, including the Yeezy Boost sneakers. The two companies also collaborated on a number of other projects, such as the Yeezy Season fashion shows.
What Was Adidas’ Reason For Dropping Kanye West?
Answer: Adidas’ official statement on their decision to end their partnership with Kanye West cites “creative differences” as the reason behind the split. It appears that the company was no longer comfortable with the way Kanye was using his platform to voice his political beliefs and was concerned about the potential impact it could have on their brand.
What Impact Did Adidas’ Decision Have?
Answer: Adidas’ decision to drop Kanye West had a significant impact on both parties. For Adidas, it meant that they had to end their highly lucrative partnership with a celebrity with a large following. For Kanye, it meant that he lost a major source of income and was forced to find other sources of funding for his creative projects.
What Other Projects Did Adidas and Kanye Work On Together?
Answer: Adidas’ partnership with Kanye West was much more than just designing and selling sneakers. The two companies collaborated on a number of other projects, such as the Yeezy Season fashion shows and the Yeezy Supply website. They also launched a number of charitable initiatives, such as the YEEZY Foundation, which provides scholarships to talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Adidas drops Kanye West following antisemitic remarks
In conclusion, it’s clear that Adidas dropping Kanye West was a smart business decision. It was necessary for the company to protect its brand and ensure their well-being. Although the collaboration between Kanye and Adidas has come to an end, it’s undeniable that the partnership helped to increase the company’s visibility and boost their sales. Adidas’ decision to part ways with Kanye West was ultimately beneficial for the company, and will likely help them maintain a successful future.
