In a recent announcement, sportswear giant Adidas revealed that it will be selling parts of its Yeezy product line and donating all the proceeds to charity. The move comes after the company split from the brand’s founder, Kanye West, and ended its Yeezy business in October last year.
During the company’s Annual General Meeting in Germany, CEO Bjørn Gulden explained that Adidas has been working to find a solution for what to do with the remaining inventory. The company decided that selling the remaining products and donating the profits to organizations that have been affected by West’s controversial statements and actions was the best course of action.
Adidas has been seeking advice from various NGOs and other organizations, which have been hurt by Kanye’s statements, in order to make a well-informed decision. Gulden said, “Now, talking to all the NGOs, and a lot of organizations that have been hurt by Kanye, they all say, no, that’s not the solution. What we are trying to do now over time is to sell parts of this inventory and donate money to the organizations that are helping us and that was also hurt by Kanye’s statements.”
Adidas’ decision to sell the Yeezy line and donate the profits to charity is a move against West’s controversial remarks, including anti-Semitic comments and posting a picture of a swastika merged with the Star of David. This led to his suspension from social media platforms and his talent agency dropping him. Companies like Adidas also cut ties with the celebrity.
Adidas’ CEO emphasized that burning the goods is not the solution and added, “But I think burning the products is not the point. And we will update you as soon as that decision is made.” The details of when and how Adidas will sell the Yeezy line are still unclear, but the company is committed to making progress and supporting organizations that have been hurt by West’s statements.
In summary, Adidas’ charitable move to sell its remaining Yeezy inventory and donate the proceeds to charity is a bold move in response to Kanye West’s controversial remarks. The company’s decision is sure to resonate with those who were hurt by West’s actions and statements.
