After multiple posts on Instagram aimed at adidas and its board, adidas has put out an official statement declaring its partnership with Kanye West “under review.” Kanye has already moved to terminate his partnership with the GAP and has recently drawn ire for his “White Lives Matter” shirt at the recent Yeezy Season 9 event with Candace Owens. In the statement given to Footwear News, adidas showers Kanye with praise throughout before saying “after repeated efforts to privately resolve the situation, we have taken the decision to place the partnership under review.” While under review the partnership will continue to be under the co-management of West and adidas. The full statement can be seen below.
adidas has always been about creativity, innovation and supporting athletes and artists to achieve their vision. The adidas Yeezy partnership is one of the most successful collaborations in our industry’s history. We are proud of our team that has worked tirelessly throughout our collaboration with Ye and the iconic products that were born from it. We also recognize that all successful partnerships are rooted in mutual respect and shared values. After repeated efforts to privately resolve the situation, we have taken the decision to place the partnership under review. We will continue to co-manage the current product during this period.
Kanye has been levying accusations of theft at the Three Stripes since earlier this year when he called out the adilette 22 slide and the ADIFOM Q. He also accused them of creating colorways without his permission and installing leadership on the Yeezy team without his stated approval.