The CEO of Adidas has spoken out in defense of Kanye West, months after the company dropped him following a series of anti-semitic rants.
“I think Kanye West is one of the most creative people in the world,” said Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden. “And both in music and what I call street culture. So he’s extremely creative and has together with Adi created a Yeezy line that was very successful.”
Gulden continued, “And then as creative people he did some statements which wasn’t that good. And that caused Adi to break the contract and withdraw the product. Very unfortunate because I don’t think he meant what he said and I don’t think he’s a bad person it just came across that way. That meant we lost that business. One of the most successful collabs in history — very said. But again, when you work with third parties that can happen. It’s part of the game. That can happen with an athlete, that can happen with an entertainer. It’s part of the business.”
New Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden about Ye :
"Kanye West is one of the most creative people in the world. I don't think he's a bad person, it just came across that way." pic.twitter.com/8k1JvHkyJl
— Donda Times (@dondatimes) September 19, 2023
Adidas dropping the rapper cost Ye his billionaire status, but the rapper is reported to be planning a huge return back to the public.
Gulden’s defense of West comes as a surprise to many, as West’s anti-semitic rants were widely condemned. However, it is also worth noting that West has a history of mental health issues, and it is possible that Gulden believes that West’s actions were not a reflection of his true character.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they believe that West is a good person. However, it is clear that he is a talented and creative individual, and it is possible that he will one day be able to make a comeback.