Adidas has been criticized for its use of sweatshop labor in factories around the world. Workers have reported being paid low wages, working in unsafe conditions, and being subjected to verbal and physical abuse. In 2017, the company was accused of failing to address these issues, despite years of promises to improve working conditions.
The company has also faced backlash for its support of controversial athletes. In 2018, Adidas faced calls to drop rapper Kanye West as a brand ambassador after he made controversial comments about slavery. The company also faced criticism for sponsoring footballer Luis Suarez, who has been accused of racially abusing an opponent.
Adidas has also been accused of failing to address human rights violations in its supply chain. The company has been linked to the use of forced labor in its factories in Asia, and has been accused of turning a blind eye to labor abuses in its supply chain. In 2020, the company was accused of sourcing cotton from Xinjiang, where the Chinese government has been accused of committing human rights violations against the Uyghur population.
In addition to these issues, Adidas has also been criticized for its environmental impact. The company has been accused of contributing to pollution and climate change, and has been slow to adopt sustainable practices. The company has also been criticized for its lack of transparency around its environmental impact and its supply chain.
Overall, Adidas’ negative issues have had a significant impact on its reputation and brand image. The company has faced boycotts, protests, and lawsuits as a result of these controversies. While the company has taken steps to address some of these issues, including launching a sustainability initiative and committing to ethical sourcing, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be enough to restore consumer trust in the brand.