Adidas CEO Apologizes for Remarks About Kanye West, ADL Confirms Commitment to Fight Hate
In a recent development, Adidas CEO Bjorn Gulden has issued an apology for his earlier remarks regarding Kanye "Ye" West, according to a statement by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). Gulden's initial comments had sparked controversy, as he expressed doubt about whether West "meant what he said" in the wake of offensive and antisemitic comments made by the artist last year.
Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO of ADL, revealed in a tweet that he had a conversation with Bjorn Gulden, during which Gulden apologized for his "misstatement" and reaffirmed Adidas' commitment to combating antisemitism. Greenblatt expressed his satisfaction that Adidas, ADL, and FCASorg are collaborating to "Fight Hate For Good."
Gulden's comments had drawn criticism from various quarters, including the American Jewish Committee (AJC), whose CEO, Ted Deutch, had called on Gulden to "set the record straight" and demonstrate Adidas's dedication to addressing antisemitism.
Adidas, in response to the situation, confirmed that they had been in contact with ADL but did not divulge specifics about the conversation between Greenblatt and Gulden. The company reasserted its commitment to combatting hate in all forms and emphasized that "Hate of any kind has no place in sports or society."
It's worth noting that Adidas had severed its partnership with Kanye West last year after a series of offensive comments, including a tweet in which he made derogatory remarks about Jewish people. This move by Adidas was accompanied by an accelerated leadership transition, with Kasper Rorsted stepping down as CEO.
In a statement issued at the time, Adidas stated that they do not tolerate antisemitism or any form of hate speech and that West's comments and actions were "unacceptable, hateful, and dangerous," in violation of the company's core values of diversity, inclusion, mutual respect, and fairness.
This recent apology from Adidas's CEO and the continued commitment to fighting hate underscore the importance of addressing and rectifying instances of insensitivity and discrimination, even within the realm of sports and fashion.
