Kanye West's 'Anti-Semitic Remarks' Controversy Leads to Corporate 'Cut-Offs' One After Another

Growing Pressure to 'End Contract' Even on the Only Business Partner Adidas

More companies are cutting ties with American hip-hop star Ye (formerly known as Kanye West), who has become the center of controversy due to his anti-Semitic remarks. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] As American hip-hop star Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) faces fierce criticism for his anti-Semitic remarks and companies are severing ties with him one after another, Adidas is left alone, facing growing concerns.

On the 24th (local time), according to the Washington Post (WP) in the United States and the Guardian in the UK, the German sports brand Adidas is under pressure to terminate its contract with Ye, who has been embroiled in controversy over anti-Semitic remarks.

Earlier, on the 8th, Ye posted on his Twitter account, "I will impose 'Death Con 3' on the Jews." He used a play on 'DEFCON,' the U.S. military defense readiness condition, substituting 'death' for 'def.' Twitter deleted the post, citing that it contained hateful content against Jews.

As criticism of Ye's remarks grew, Hollywood talent agencies and fashion brands have distanced themselves by terminating contracts with him. Creative Artists Agency (CAA), a major U.S. talent agency that had worked with Ye since 2016, ended its contract with him last month. Jeremy Zimmer, CEO of CAA, said in a company email, "We cannot support hate speech, prejudice, or anti-Semitism. Please support the termination of our contract with Kanye West."

Hollywood film and TV production company Media Rights Capital (MRC) recently announced it would scrap a documentary about Ye that had been completed. French luxury brand Balenciaga also ended its partnership with Ye.

However, Adidas has remained silent for the past three weeks after stating earlier this month that it was reviewing the suspension of its partnership with Ye. Having collaborated with Ye since 2013, Adidas even released new sneakers on the 22nd in collaboration with Ye's shoe and apparel brand 'Yeezy.' Currently, Adidas is Ye's only business partner.

Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, told WP, "Anti-Semitism is unacceptable under any circumstances," adding, "The fact that Adidas cannot make such an easy decision is shocking, considering its history of supplying clothing to the Hitler Youth (Nazi youth organization)."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.