After launching one of the most successful sneaker collaborations in streetwear history, Adidas and Yeezy had the fashion industry in a chokehold. However, that came to an abrupt end after Kanye West's public meltdowns which included several instances of racial/ethnic insensitivity with comments made about the Jewish community.
Despite the financial hit that Adidas took as a result of severing their business relationship with Ye, Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden isn't sold on the idea that Kanye is a bad person.
During an appearance on the In Good Company podcast, Gulden expressed that he doesn't believe Kanye meant the antisemitic remarks he made and was praised the Chicago native for being one of the most creative people in the world.
"I think Kanye West is one of the most creative people in the world, both in music and what I would call street culture," Gulden said. "Very unfortunate, because I don't think he meant what he said, and I don't think he's a bad person," Gulden added. "It just came across that way, and that meant we lost that business, one of the most successful collabs in history."
While Gulden offered up kind words about Kanye, it's unlikely that a business relationship will be rekindled anytime soon. Adidas just recently sold its remaining Yeezy inventory and donated the proceeds across several organizations including the Anti-Defamation League, the Philonise & Keeta Floyd Institute for Social Change, and Robert Kraft’s Foundation to Combat Antisemitism.
