Kanye West has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Following the massive backlash he received when he wore a ‘White Lives Matter’ T-shirt for his YEEZY Season 9 show at Paris Fashion Week, the rapper attacked several people for objecting his views. He then went to the extent of making several anti-Semitic comments and rants, which has led to a self-destructive path. In the wake of Ye’s offensive behaviour, brands have decided to cut ties with the rapper as well as his Yeezy line. Here’s a list list of all the companies that have decided to end their partnership with Kanye West.
1. Balenciaga
Balenciaga officially severed ties with Kanye on October 21, thereby leading to the end of him being the Creative Director of Demna. The brand does not wish to collaborate on any future projects.
2. Adidas
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Following Kanye’s video where he said he can be anti-Semitic and Adidas still won’t drop him, many organisations including the Anti-Defamation League pushed for the brand to cut ties with him. And they did. Adidas released a statement saying, “Adidas does not tolerate anti-Semitism and other hate speech. Ye’s recent comments and actions have been unacceptable, hateful and dangerous, and they violate the company’s values of diversity and inclusion…The company has taken the decision to terminate the partnership with Ye immediately, end production of Yeezy branded products and stop all payments to Ye and his companies.” Adidas’ decision had a massive impact on Kanye’s wealth–he officially lost billionaire status and his net worth dropped to £345 million.
3. Gap
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Hours after Adidas ended its relationship with Ye, Gap also announced that it would remove all remaining YEEZY GAP products from its stores and shut down the website, YEEZYGAP.com. “Anti-Semitism, racism, and hate in any form are inexcusable and not tolerated in accordance with our values…On behalf of our customers, employees, and shareholders, we are partnering with organizations that combat hate and discrimination,” Gap’s statement read.
4. Skechers
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After Adidas dropped him, Ye showed up uninvited to the Skechers headquarters in search of a new home for his Yeezy shoe line, but was immediately escorted out. He probably forgot Skechers is owned and operated by a Jewish family and his anti-Semitic comments obviously don’t bode well with the company.
5. CAA
The Creative Arts Agency (CAA), which has been representing Kanye since 2016) does not only represent Kanye anymore but the whole agency refuses to be associated with him. While they didn’t make an official statement, the news was confirmed by Deadline.
6. MRC
Following the success of Kanye West’s documentary Jeen-Yuhs, a second film was commissioned by the US network MRC and has also been completed. However, after Ye’s offensive comments, the executives have scrapped it and will no longer be rolling it out. “We cannot support any content that amplifies his platform,” the company stated.
7. JPMorgan Chase Bank
The JP Morgan Chase bank sent a letter to Kanye West stating it is ending their banking relationship with YEEZY, LLC. As per reports, the bank has closed the artist’s account.
8. Cohen Clair Lans Greifer Thorpe & Rottenstreich LLP
Kanye’s lawyers have also backed out. The firm represented him during his divorce from Kim Kardashian in 2021 but have now confirmed they’re no longer working with him.
9. Madame Tussauds
London’s Madame Tussauds has removed a wax figure of Kanye West from public view. It comes after the rapper posted anti-Semitic comments on his Twitter account and Adidas ended its deal with him.
Find out where it has been moved to here: https://t.co/OV2kcBoSin pic.twitter.com/bb3aHmZSQa— BBC London (@BBCLondonNews) October 26, 2022
The museum in London has removed West’s wax figure.
Other brands that have also severed ties with the artist are TJ Max, Peloton, Foot Locker, Rebag, Def Jam and The RealReal.
