adidas has terminated its long-running partnership with Kanye West in light of the rapper’s recent antisemitic comments and other abhorrent behavior.
“adidas does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech,” the company said in a statement. “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.”
adidas originally partnered with West in 2013 for the release of his popular Yeezy sneaker. The collaboration proved incredibly lucrative, generating an estimated $2 billion a year, close to 10 percent of the company’s annual revenue, according to The Washington Post.
However, even before West’s recent antisemitic rants, his relationship with adidas had deteriorated. He accused the company of stealing his designs, and tried to intimidate executives by showing them pornography.
Additionally, Gap has announced that it has pulled West’s products from retail locations and online. West previously terminated his collaboration with the Gap last month after alleging that the clothing store was in breach of contract. However, Gap had been still selling Yeezy apparel items until today.
“Antisemitism, racism, and hate in any form are inexcusable and not tolerated in according with our values,” Gap said in a statement. “On behalf of our customers, employees, and shareholders, we are partnering with organizations that combat hate and discrimination.
adidas and Gap are but the latest company to terminate their relationships with West; fashion house Balenciaga, talent agency CAA, and the bank JPMorgan Chase all took similar actions in recent days. Additionally, Camille Vasquez, the lawyer who helped Johnny Depp win his defamation lawsuit against Amber Heard, severed ties with West after being hired just last week because the rapper refused to retract his antisemitic comments.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to include Gap’s announcement.