Unwelcomed visit by Kanye West at Skechers headquarters in Los Angeles prompts security escort away from the premises
Skechers has clarified that it has no intention of working with Kanye West after the fashion designer unexpectedly visited the company's corporate office in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Confirming through a press release, the footwear brand confirmed that West, also known as Ye, arrived uninvited and was escorted out by two executives following a brief conversation.
Reports suggest that West was engaged in unauthorized filming during his visit. In response to his divisive recent remarks, the company expressed its condemnation of antisemitism and other forms of hate speech, reflecting its zero-tolerance policy on such behavior.
This move mirrors the decision of several other brands, including Adidas and Gap, to sever ties with Ye following weeks of racially charged and antisemitic actions and comments across various channels. Skechers, however, did not provide further comment regarding West's visit, as his attempts to reach the company were unsuccessful.
[REFERENCE][1] Skechers press release, October 2022.[2] CNN Business. (2022, October 17). Adidas, Balenciaga, Parade among brands ending partnerships with Kanye West. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/17/business/kanye-west-brands-ending-partnerships/index.html[3] The Hollywood Reporter. (2022, October 20). Kanye West's Acne Studios Collab Pulled After Antisemitic Rant. Retrieved from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/lifestyle-news/kanye-west-acne-studios-collaboration-puled-antisemitic-rant-1235265026/
In the wake of Kanye West's unauthorized visit at Skechers' corporate office, the company has chosen not to engage in any future collaborations with the fashion designer, aligning itself with a growing number of brands that have distanced themselves from West following his controversial and hateful remarks. This decision by Skechers underscores the increasing scrutiny over pop-culture figures and their participation in the fashion and entertainment industries, with major brands prioritizing values of inclusivity and zero-tolerance towards antisemitism and hate speech.
As West's actions continue to be met with condemnation from various industries, it remains unclear if other celebrity endorsements in the arena of fashion and entertainment will face a similar backlash, potentially signaling a new era of accountability and social responsibility in the realm of pop-culture.
