Kanye Dropped for Good by Balenciaga, Adidas & Gap

In a previous article, we Speculated if kanYe was cancelled for good this time, and a couple of weeks ago, it didn’t seem as certain as now 

Frequent anti-semitic comments, White Lives Matter drama at a highly publicized fashion show and accusing his ex-wife of kidnapping their daughter have all sunk the public perception towards Kanye West and his work. Ye also mocked George Floyd’s murder and suggested slavery was a choice.

California political leaders and Jewish members worldwide called for Adidas to cut off all ties with Kanye.LA mayoral candidate Karen Bass and Scott Weiner, a state senator and vice-chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, also urged Adidas to sever all business relationships with the rapper. Fns of Kanye in the Jewish community were also outraged, and most of all, disappointed. Many Jewish influencers took to Instagram to express anger towards Ye’s bigoted comments. 

In an official statement on their website no less, Adidas stated how they do not tolerate antisemitism or any 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.” They ended the Yeezy brand’s production and stopped all payments to Ye and his companies.

© Balenciaga

CAA, Ye’s talent agency, expressed how they’d no longer represent him, and urged other companies to avoid working with Ye at all costs. “Those who continue to do business with West are giving his misguided hate an audience.”

By cancelling his partnership with Adidas and Gap, Kanye also forfeits his status as a billionaire. With Adidas terminating Ye, his net worth drops from $1.5 billion to $400 million. It’s still more than he’d need to live comfortably, but $600 short of a billion.

Balenciaga had always supported Ye, as its creative director, Demna Gvasaglia, had been one of Ye’s pupils. He even changed his name to Demna, imitating what Kanye did with Ye. If even they have dropped the ball, then it might be Ye’s downfall for good this time. 

“Balenciaga has no longer any relationship nor plans for future projects related to this artist.” Vogue also followed suit and cut ties with Kanye.

Gap said it took immediate steps to remove Yeezy Gap products from its stores and even shut down YeezyGap.com. Foot Locker also pulled Yeezy shoes from its floors and online store. 

Public sentiment towards Kanye has plummeted in the past month. A completed film documentary about Ye’s life had been scrapped. The co-leaders of film and TV studio MRC – Modi Wiczyk, Asif Satchu, and Scott Tenley, also cut ties with West.

Is there anyone still on Ye’s side after all of these behaviours? Surprisingly, yes, although he’s at risk of alienating even the few allies he has with him behind the scenes.