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Tim BontempsESPN
Boston Celtics Forward Jaylen Brown And Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald Both announced Tuesday night that Donda Sports, which was founded by Kanye West, is closing down due to recent antisemitic remarks.
Adidas had just ended its relationship to Ye hours before the announcements.
Brown’s decision was made one day after he had told the Boston Globe that he would stay with Donda Sports, despite Ye’s comments.
Brown issued a statement Tuesday via Twitter saying, “In the last 24 hours I’ve been in a position to reflect and better understand my previous statements in expressing my stand against recent insensitive actions and remarks.” I am sorry for that. This is why I try to be as transparent as possible. I will continue to be strong against all forms of antisemitism and hate speech.
“In light o this, after having conversations with others, I realized that there are times when my voice can’t coexist within spaces that don’t reflect my stance and/or my values. Donda Sports has been terminated.
Donald also announced that his family would be leaving Donda Sports at the same time, stating that Ye’s comments “are exactly the opposite of how our lives are set up and how we want to raise our children.”
Donald shared his Twitter statement, “As parents and members in society, we felt a duty to send a clear signal that hateful words or actions have consequences” We don’t feel that our beliefs, voices, and actions belong in a place that oppresses or misrepresents any race, ethnicity, or background. We have had the privilege of working alongside many amazing people and we hope to continue using our platform to support and uplift other families, children, and communities through positive outreach.”
Adidas announced that it will officially cut ties with Ye on Tuesday. Ye had been involved in a very lucrative clothing and apparel partnership.
The company stated Tuesday that it does not accept antisemitism or any other form of hate speech. “Ye has made recent statements and taken actions that are unacceptable, hateful, dangerous, and in violation of the company’s values, diversity, inclusion and mutual respect.”
Adidas stated that it would lose approximately $250 million in net income this year due to its breakup with Ye. However, Adidas claimed that this was necessary given the antisemitic remarks Ye made in recent weeks.
Ye has made controversial comments in the past about a number of issues, including slavery and COVID-19 vaccinations. Ye stated on Twitter earlier in the month that he would soon “death CON 3 on JEWISH PEOPLES,” a reference to the U.S. defense ready condition scale known as DEFCON. He was removed from Instagram and Twitter.
Many companies have ended their business relationships with him or his various business lines due to his recent antisemitic remarks. Creative Artists Agency was among the companies that ended their relationships with him.