German sporting goods giant Adidas announced on Tuesday that it is severing ties with Ye, birth name Kanye West, following a series of anti-Semitic and offensive statements by the American rapper, producer and fashion designer.
“Adidas does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of 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, mutual respect and fairness,” the company said in a statement.
“After a thorough review, 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 will stop the Adidas Yeezy business with immediate effect,” the statement continued.
West’s Twitter and Instagram accounts have been restricted due to his offensive outbursts, and the anti-Semitic posts removed. Several other companies have also cut ties with West over the controversy.
Meanwhile, Jewish groups in Los Angeles are speaking out after a banner was placed on the Interstate 405 freeway reading, “Kayne is right about the Jews.”
The banner was hung by members of the anti-Semitic hate group Goyim Defense League and referenced West’s recent statements promoting anti-Semitic canards, such as that the Jews control the media.