Balenciaga has confirmed they’ll no longer be working with Kanye West following his controversial behavior.
On Friday, Balenciaga’s parent company Kering released a statement that it has no plans to work with the rapper moving forward. “Balenciaga has no longer any relationship nor any plans for future projects related to this artist,” it said.
Ye has been facing a wave of backlash in response to his recent behavior, which include antisemitic comments. In one tweet, the rapper threatened to do go “death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE,” alleging they “have toyed with me and tried to black ball anyone whoever opposes your agenda.”
He’s also made a variety of offensive comments towards the Black Lives Matter movement, including referring to it as a “scam” online.
Kanye went on to wear a “White Lives Matter” shirt to his Yeezy fashion show during Paris Fashion Week. Several of the show’s model also dawned similar shirts. Ye later defended his decision to wear the shirt on social media.
The Yeezy founder has also attacked a variety of people online in recent months, including his ex-wife Kim Kardashian and her family. He even went so far as to release an animated music video depicting him burying a likeness of Kim’s then-boyfriend Pete Davidson alive.
As a result, many companies have been publicly distancing themselves from Kanye. For example, earlier this month, his bank JP Morgan announced it was severing ties with him.
“Dear Ye, We are sending this letter to confirm our recent discussion with [redacted name] that JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (The Bank) has decided to end its banking relation with Yeezy LLC and its affiliated entities,” a letter the bank sent Kanye stated.
Though they haven’t cancelled their partnership (yet), Adidas also announced they’re reviewing their professional relationship with Ye.
“After repeated efforts to privately resolve the situation, we have taken the decision to place the partnership under review,” the company said in a statement. “We will continue to co-manage the current product during this period.”
Kanye’s comments have also gotten him into legal trouble. He’s currently facing a $250 million lawsuit filed by the family of George Floyd for defamation. Ye previously stated that George died of a drug overdose, even though it’s been legally established that he died as a result of force used by a police officer, Derek Chauvin.
Sources: New York Post, Buzzfeed,