Topline
Gap said Tuesday it is removing products made in collaboration with Kanye West’s Yeezy brand from its stores and website in response to West’s recent antisemitic outbursts, as the fallout against the rapper continues, after the clothing retailer previously said last month it would “wind down” its partnership with West.
Ye attends the Kenzo Fall/Winter 2022/2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 23, 2022 … [+] in Paris, France.
Corbis via Getty Images
Key Facts
In a statement, Gap said it is taking “immediate steps to remove Yeezy Gap product from our stores” and has “shut down YeezyGap.com.”
The brand said “antisemitism, racism and hate in any form are inexcusable and not tolerated in accordance with our values,” an it is “partnering with organizations that combat hate and discrimination.”
Gap’s statement comes after Adidas—which partnered with the rapper on Yeezy sneakers—announced Tuesday it was immediately ending its partnership with West.
Key Background
Gap ended what was supposed to be a src0-year-long partnership with West in September after West accused the company of breaking its contract with him, which he said included plans to open brick-and-mortar stores. Since the beginning of October, West has made repeated antisemitic comments, including saying he was going to go “death con 3 on Jewish people.” As a result, several of his high-profile collaborators have parted ways with him, including talent agency CAA and luxury fashion house Balenciaga, which engineered one of West’s lines with Gap. Adidas said it expects to lose $246 million as a result of the decision.
Forbes Valuation
As a result of West losing his contract with Adidas, he has fallen off Forbes’ billionaires list, and is now worth an estimated $400 million.
Further Reading
Billionaire No More: Kanye West’s Anti-Semitism Obliterates His Net Worth As Adidas Cuts Ties (Forbes)
Kanye West’s Anti-Semitic, Controversial Behavior—Here’s Everything He’s Said In Recent Weeks (Forbes)
Adidas Drops Kanye West—Here Are The Other Companies Cutting Ties After His Anti-Semitic Comments (Forbes)
Adidas Cuts Ties With Kanye West After Anti-Semitic Comments (Forbes)