Gap is the latest company to end ties with Kanye West by removing all Yeezy Gap products from its stores and its e-commerce site.
The decision results from the widespread backlash Ye has received after making several antisemitic comments, CBS News reported.
In September, the rapper severed his deal with the giant retailer, with his lawyer telling CBS MoneyWatch that Gap had failed to meet certain contractual obligations.
In a statement released by the retailer Tuesday, it cited Ye’s “recent remarks and behavior” as its reason for removing Yeezy Gap items from stores and taking down YeezyGap.com.
“Antisemitism, racism, and hate in any form are inexcusable and not tolerated in accordance with our values,” the apparel chain said. “On behalf of our customers, employees and shareholders, we are partnering with organizations that combat hate and discrimination.”
In 2020, Gap and the Yeezy mogul joined forces for what was supposed to be a 10-year deal under which he designed Yeezy-branded merchandise to be sold in Gap stores. At the time, West received royalties and Gap stock based on sales of his items.
German sportswear giant Adidas also announced on Tuesday that it had ended business relationships with West as well.
“Adidas does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech,” the company said. “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.”
Last year, Bloomberg placed West as the wealthiest Black American, pegging his net worth at $6 billion. Of that total, between $3.2 billion and $4.7 billion of that net worth came from his partnerships with Gap and Adidas
But the impact of severed partnerships has left his wealth uncertain as more business partners continue to pull back. Ye’s talent agency, CAA, also dropped him, and the MRC studio announced Monday that it is shelving a documentary about him.
“This morning, after discussion with our filmmakers and distribution partners, we made the decision not to proceed with any distribution for our recently completed documentary about Kanye West. We cannot support any content that amplifies his platform,” MRC said.
