Will Adidas drop Kanye? Nazi controversy surfaces online as retail giant comes under severe backlash over lack of response in antisemitic row

Adidas is receiving immense backlash for continuing their partnership with Kanye West after the latter has continuously made anti-Semitic remarks.

The rapper claimed that the brand would never severe ties with him. Now, customers are demanding that the brand does so and warned them that they will stop purchasing their products if they refuse to.

The Donda rapper appeared on the Drink Champs podcast and made a series of problematic statements. Along with claiming that George Floyd died of fentanyl usage, he also boasted that he could make anti-Jew remarks without any interference from Adidas. He said on the podcast:

Prior to West's podcast appearance, Adidas had released a statement about their partnership with Kanye West. They said:

Adidas likely to release statement about Kanye West's antisemitic remarks

It seems like netizens are not satisfied with the sportswear company’s announcement. With the soaring backlash against the German company, it is likely that they will be forced to cut ties with Kanye West or at least issue a public statement on the matter.

Bloomberg reviewed that West’s sneakers and apparel collaboration with Adidas AG and Gap were valued between $3.2 billion and $4.7 billion.

Although Gap has cut ties with the rapper, Adidas has not made an announcement about doing so. It is possible that the brand hopes that the wrath against Kanye West boils down, so that they do not lose on their profitable partnership.

Netizens react to Kanye West’s partnership with Adidas

Internet users have been incredibly disturbed by Kanye West’s anti-Jew remarks in recent weeks. Many were enraged to see Adidas not take a public stand against the rapper-designer. Netizens have since urged the brand to cut ties with the 45-year-old, similar to the likes of Balenciaga and Gap.

Netizens pledged that they would “boycott” Adidas until they disassociate with the Famous rapper. A few comments online read:

Adidas’ history resurfaces online

In light of Kanye West’s anti-Semitic remarks circulating online, Adidas’ history of supporting the Nazi army has surfaced online. The brand was founded by Adolf “Adi” Dassler, an early member of the Nazi party.

Adi Dassler and his brother Rudi’s, Dassler brothers’ athletic shoes company was discontinued during World War II so that the army could build a tank weapon capable of blowing up Allied tanks at their manufacturing site.

It is important to note that Adidas does not hold similar political views in recent times. However, considering the sensitivity of the situation and the brand’s history, netizens are unsurprisingly expecting a stringent response from the company.

Meanwhile, as of now, Adidas continues to sell the latest Yeezy Boost 350 v2 “Salt” sneakers. The sold-out shoes were listed for $230. Coming forward, there are other Yeezy-branded shoes also set to be sold by the brand. TMZ reports that they will be sold between $200-$300.

About the author

Karishma is a trending writer at SK POP. With a BA in Journalism, Psychology and Literature, Karishma, who has closely followed the latest internet trends from a young age, found her role at SK POP to be the perfect fit for her professional qualifications and personal interests.

She has nearly 3 years of experience in the industry and has interned with The Hindu and Deccan Herald. In her role at Sportskeeda, Karishma covers a range of topics at the pop division, but she believes her skills as a journalist are best reflected while creating impactful and research-intensive stories. For her, no other step in the writing process is as crucial as fact-checking with multiple sources and accurately conveying facts and data.

Karishma holds deep admiration for artists Luke Jerram and Yoshitomo Nara's authenticity and originality, who are her favorite icons. When not ideating her next story, Karishma can be seen deeply engrossed in a book.

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