Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden has revised his recent comments about Kanye West, clarifying his initial stance.
His statement which initially seemed to lean towards the controversial star caused a stir. While the fashion giant and the rapper have enjoyed a fruitful collaboration, they made the tough call to part ways with him following his regrettable antisemitic comments last year.
Bjørn Gulden Explains Stance After Kanye West Controversy
The former CEO of Pandora nearly lost his way on social media after inadvertently sparking controversy with his recent remarks on the “In Good Company” podcast. He has reportedly suggested that he does not believe West’s antisemitic statements from last year.
However, suddenly, Gulden apologized for his previous doubts about the controversial issue. He clarified his comments from the podcast, labeling them “misrepresentations.”
Former Managing Director Deichmann emphasized the German sportswear company’s unwavering commitment to combating antisemitism and strongly opposing the “ugly hatred” expressed by the “College Dropout” rapper.
MEGA
This message was delivered by Jonathan Greenblatt, head of the Anti-Defamation League, on X (formerly known as Twitter) after a conversation with Gulden.
Although Gulden was serving as CEO of Puma SE at the time the company terminated their contract with the music producer, an Adidas spokesperson also confirmed their decision in a statement that read:
“Our decision to end our partnership with Ye due to his unacceptable comments and behavior was absolutely the right thing to do.”
The message reiterated the fashion brand’s unwavering commitment to fighting hate in all its forms: “Our position has not changed: Hate of any kind has no place in sports or society, and we remain committed to fighting it.”
Fans will recall that at the time of the scandal, one of Ye’s regrettable actions was wearing a “White Lives Matter” shirt at the Yeezy fashion show in Paris. He also posted an alarming statement about “3 deaths of JEWS.”
Adidas Yeezy Pledge Continues Against Antisemitism
Gulden, who became CEO in January, has led the company’s transition beyond the songwriter era. This includes a strategic push announced in May to clear the remaining inventory of Yeezy products remaining in its warehouse.
Furthermore, they also committed to donating a large portion of Yeezys estimated $1.2 billion to two leading non-profit organizations dedicated to fighting racism and antisemitism.
MEGA
The designated recipients of the generous donation are the Anti-Defamation League and the Philonise & Keeta Floyd Institute for Social Change, a non-profit organization founded and led by George Floyd’s brother. This organization directly represents those most affected by the words of the regrettable artist “808s & Heartbreak”.
The first organization deals with the historical impact of the “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” rapper’s antisemitic language and beliefs, while the second focuses on those affected by the controversial statement suggesting that George’s death was caused by fentanyl, rather than suffocation caused by a police officer’s knee. .
Despite offering a rare apology to George’s family, many still find it difficult to forgive or forget the “Jesus Walks” hitmaker’s statement.
The above reaction may be why Gulden suggested to shareholders that selling excess Yeezys and donating funds to affected organizations is the most appropriate course of action.
In his statement to Reuters, he emphasized: “We believe this is the best solution because it respects the designs created and the shoes produced, it works for our staff, solves the inventory problem and will have a positive impact in our community. There is no place in sport or society for hate, and we remain committed to fighting it.”
At the time, the imminent launch of the product marked Adidas’ first sale of Yeezys to consumers since parting ways with the father of four. It also indicates that the brand does not intend to enter into any new partnership with the entrepreneur.
It’s also worth noting that even though they split because the athletic apparel company holds the rights to all of the 46-year-old’s designs, they can use them however they see fit.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
