In another blow to Ye, formerly named Kanye West, the Balenciaga fashion house has cut ties with the rapper.
In a statement by parent company Kering to Women’s Wear Daily, the company said that “Balenciaga has no longer any relationship nor any plans for future projects related to this artist.”
The move comes amid Ye’s controversial comments, including antisemitic posts that got him suspended from Instagram and Twitter.
Ye had previously collaborated many times with Balenciaga and its artistic director, Demna Gvasalia. Balenciaga also had an active relationship with Kim Kardashian, Ye’s ex-wife, who has appeared in advertising campaigns for the label before.
During Paris Fashion Week, Ye walked as a model in Balenciaga’s ready-to-wear show. At the time, designer Gvaslia called it an “iconic moment.” Ye was also seen at Givenchy’s collection wearing a Balenciaga-branded black tooth brace.
During Paris Fashion Week, Ye was criticized for wearing a “White Lives Matter” shirt to his Yeezy collection show, with the shirt making an appearance on the runway. The phrase “White Lives Matter” is considered hate speech.
Ye recently spoke to Bloomberg, explaining that he is planning to cut ties with corporate suppliers. He ended Yeezy’s association with Gap and Adidas placed its sneaker deal with Ye under review. JPMorganChase and Ye have ended their business relationship, however this was under way prior to the antisemitic comments.
Ye is also reportedly buying Parler, a social media network that is popular among conservatives and right-wing groups. Parler is considered an alternative to Twitter and other social media platforms, with a heavy emphasis on supposedly promoting free speech.
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