Skechers has escorted Kanye West from its Los Angeles premises after he “turned up unannounced and uninvited” – with Madame Tussauds removing the controversial rapper’s wax figure from public view.
A growing number of companies are distancing themselves from the award-winning musician – who legally changed his name to E – after he made anti-Semitic remarks.
In a statement, the American shoe company said that West showed up at one of its corporate offices and then engaged in “unauthorized filming.”
Executives kicked him out of the building after a “brief conversation,” and the statement added, “Skechers is not considering and has no intention of working with West.
“We condemn his recent divisive remarks and do not tolerate anti-Semitism or any other form of hatred.”
It happens after a few days adidas has ended its lucrative partnership with West – and announced that production of the popular Yeezy line would be discontinued immediately.
Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for Madame Tussauds said: “Figure E has been moved from the attraction to our archive.
“Each profile has its own place at Madame Tussauds London and we are listening to our guests and the public about who they expect to see in this attraction.”
The statuette was originally put on display at the museum in 2015 alongside a wax figure of his then-wife Kim Kardashian.
In the past few days, Kardashian and members of her family have called for an end to the “horrific violence and hateful rhetoric” directed at the Jewish community.
Explanation: What the rapper said and how people reacted
Earlier this year, West was ranked 1,513 on the Forbes Rich List and was estimated to be worth £1.7 billion due to his fashion brands and Adidas deal.
But the sportswear brand’s decision to end the partnership means West is no longer a billionaire, with his net worth down to £344m.
Apparel company Gap Inc, which ended its partnership with West in September, is also taking immediate steps to remove Yeezy Gap products from its stores.
CAA talent agency and the Balenciaga fashion house also ended their relationship with the 45-year-old – and completed a documentary about West was postponed.
Spotify CEO Daniel Echo-ds-West’s comments were “terrible” but his music will remain on the platform.
https://news.sky.com/story/skechers-escorts-kanye-west-off-its-property-after-he-turns-up-uninvited-as-madame-tussauds-removes-waxwork-12731126
