According to Rolling Stone, Kanye West along with his Yeezy brand and Donda Academy is being sued by a former staffer. In the documents obtained by the outlet, a supposed ex-employee, Murphy Aficionado, is accusing West of fostering a hostile work environment, discrimination, wrongful termination, labor code violations, and failure to pay wages.
Within the filing submitted to the Los Angeles County Superior Court by lawyers Carney R. Shegerian and William Reed, Aficionado claimed West went on “antisemitic tirades” on a “daily occurrence.”
The document transcribed one of the alleged encounters retold by Aficionado as: “The Jews are out to get me. They froze my bank account. The Jews got Kim [Kardashian] and my kids. The Jews convinced Kim [Kardashian]. She has Jewish masters.”
Aficionado continued, saying: “Ye’s antisemitic tirades and conspiracies were a daily occurrence. Often, these outbursts involved how Jews controlled the Kardashians. Other times, Ye recounted how Jews were going after him and his money.”
He also accused Kanye West of subjecting him to flashes of his wife Bianca Censori’s exposed body and a loud intimate moment between Censori and West in the middle of a meeting.
Kanye West has not issued a public response to this lawsuit.
Back in October 2022, the sporting company split business ties with Ye following antisemitic remarks made by the “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” rapper. Today (October 29), the two have wrapped up their legal fight. According to Bloomberg, Ye and Adidas reached an out-of-court settlement.
During a conference call, Adidas’ CEO Bjørn Gulden shared a statement regarding their mutual resolve. “There isn’t any more open issues,” he said. “No one owes anybody anything anymore. So whatever was is history.”
Gulden’s comments about financial payout raised questions among patrons. But Page Six claims Gulden clarified that by saying: “There isn’t any more open issues, and there is no money going [out] either way, and we both move on.”
Gulden closed by saying: “There were tensions on many issues, and… when you put the claims on the right side, and you put the claims on the left side, both parties said we don’t need to fight anymore and withdrew all the claims.”
Kanye West and Adidas have officially agreed on an out-of-court settlement after years of legal conflict between the two sides. The brand originally cut ties with the controversial rapper after he made several antisemitic comments in 2022. They’ve been caught up in multiple lawsuits with one another in the time since. Ye has slammed the company on numerous occasions on social media.
CEO Bjorn Gulden confirmed the decision during a conference call on Tuesday. “There isn’t any more open issues, and there is no… money going either way, and we both move on,” Gulden told reporters, according to CNBC. “There were tensions on many issues, and… when you put the claims on the right side and you put the claims on the left side, both parties said we don’t need to fight anymore and withdrew all the claims.” Details of the agreement were kept private, but Gulden noted they didn’t exchange any payments.
HOLLYWOOD, CA – JUNE 28: Kanye West at Milk Studios on June 28, 2016 in Hollywood, California. adidas and Kanye West announce the future of their partnership: Adidas + KANYE WEST (Photo by Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for ADIDAS)
West’s antics in 2022, which also included wearing a “White Lives Matter” T-shirt, resulted in him losing out on far more brand deals than just Adidas. Gap, Balenciaga, and more fashion houses all cut ties with him, while several social media sites kicked him off their platforms. “Adidas does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech,” the company explained in a statement at the time. “Ye’s recent comments and actions have been unacceptable, hateful and dangerous, and they violate the company’s values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect and fairness.”
More recently, West has been performing overseas for his Vultures listening events with Ty Dolla Sign. He’s also gearing up for the release of a new solo album, Bully. Be on the lookout for further updates on Kanye West and Adidas on HotNewHipHop.
The Ye and Adidas relationship is 100% over. According to Reuters, Adidas reached an out-of-court settlement with the rapper to end all agreements. No money was paid to either party.
The relationship between Ye and Adidas went south after a run of antisemitic comments from the iconic Chicago rapper.
“There isn’t any more open issues, and there is no… money going either way, and we both move on,” CEO Bjorn Gulden said on a call. “There were tensions on many issues, and… when you put the claims on the right side and you put the claims on the left side, both parties said we don’t need to fight anymore and withdrew all the claims.”
Earlier this year, after the brand announced a new stock drop at the end of the month, Kanye hit the net with a message stating he had been sued.
“Not only are they putting out fake colorways that are not approved, they are suing me for $250 million,” Ye said. “And they also not paying me for these shoes they are putting out that has my name on it.
“They are using contract clauses and 50 years of business experience to rape an artist – one of y’all favorite artists – right in front of y’all in broad daylight.”
Kanye says Adidas is suing him for 250M while selling Yeezy’s with his name on it without paying him. Other celebrities need to speak out and bring attention to this because it could be them too one day pic.twitter.com/wxBBbiSHHA
According to Complex, Adidas announced the remaining Yeezy stock release on Feb. 29. The “Steel Grey” Yeezy Boost 350 V2 was available for $230 through the Confirmed app, Adidas app, or Adidas.com.
adidas will release the remaining YEEZY inventory, which features products from 2022, in the course of the year.
The range available will include some of the most popular designs beginning with the YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 in STEEL GREY. pic.twitter.com/zMRVRT1aYx
Adidas also teased additional sneakers, showing an image with silhouettes of the Yeezy Foam Runner, the Yeezy 500, the Yeezy Boost 350 V2, and the Yeezy Slides.
Meanwhile, Kanye West delivered a message to fans to not buy them. “Anybody who loves Ye would not buy these fake Yeezys [.] I never made these color ways [.] I’m not getting paid off of them and adidas is suing me.”
You can see his full statement below.
KANYE WEST Responds After ADIDAS Continue To Sell Off The Rest Of Their YEEZY Sneakers pic.twitter.com/Ut1NmmmUii
In Sept. 2023, Ye received words of support from Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden. In an interview, Gulden stated he doesn’t believe Kanye West is a bad person.
“And then as creative people he did some statements which wasn’t that good,” Gulden said. “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.”
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
Adidas reports a revenue of $437 million in the first release of leftover Yeezy sneakers from their nixed deal with Ye, formerly known as Kanye West. The first run of shoes hit online in June, selling out. The second run began to sell on Wednesday.
The sale of the sneakers was the efforts to empty their inventory responsibly. After the first launch, CEO Bjørn Gulden said, “We will continue to carefully sell off more of the existing Yeezy inventory,”
Adidas has also announced the donation of over 10 million euros to groups like the Anti-Defamation League, the Philonise & Keeta Floyd Institute for Social Change, and Robert Kraft’s Foundation to Combat Antisemitism.
According to Billboard, 20% to 25% of the stock was unloaded in the first sale.
adidas has partnered with Cincinnati-based sneaker boutique UnheardOf to release a limited-edition Rivalry Low sneaker celebrating the city’s rich history. The “Building Bridges” Rivalry Low, inspired by the iconic Roebling Suspension Bridge, pays homage to Cincinnati’s cultural legacy while encouraging individuals to pave their own path to a brighter future.
For UnheardOf founder Phil Lipschutz, the Roebling Suspension Bridge represents resilience and overcoming adversity. This inspiration is reflected in every detail of the sneaker. The shoe’s upper is designed to mimic the bridge’s stone architecture, while the signature suede Three Stripes come in “Roebling Blue,” mirroring the striking towers of the bridge. The foam green sole reflects the Ohio River’s vibrant summer hue, and a Captain Piggy heel decal symbolizes individuality.
In line with their commitment to community, UnheardOf and adidas will donate a portion of the sneaker’s proceeds to the Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky. To celebrate the launch, they are also hosting a special boat ride on the Ohio River for the children residing at the home, marking a personal connection for Lipschutz, who spent part of his childhood there.
The adidas x UnheardOf “Building Bridges” Rivalry Low is available now for $165 at unheardofbrand.com.
Today, adidas Originals announced an exciting new collaboration between global music sensation Bad Bunny and soccer icon Lionel Messi. The “Bad Bunny & Messi Collection” highlights the powerful connection between music and sport, paying tribute to the individual legacies of both stars while solidifying adidas’ role in global culture.
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, has long admired Messi, often referencing the soccer legend in his music, including five mentions in his latest album. Messi, in turn, has shown his respect for the Puerto Rican artist, sharing that seven Bad Bunny tracks are featured on his pre-game playlist. The collection reflects their mutual admiration, uniting two cultural giants who have pushed boundaries in their respective fields.
The collection draws inspiration from Adidas’ heritage and features two of the brand’s iconic models—the Adidas Gazelle and the Adidas F50 cleat. The F50, a soccer cleat Messi wore throughout his illustrious career, is renowned as one of the best soccer shoes ever. Meanwhile, the Gazelle, once a staple in indoor soccer gyms, has evolved into a lifestyle footwear icon and one of Bad Bunny’s favorites.
Both models in the collection pay homage to Messi’s numerous accomplishments, particularly his status as the greatest male footballer in the world. Gold accents on the designs are inspired by the prestigious trophies Messi has won, and the “X” stripe on the heel references his famed number 10 jersey. With blue details connecting back to adidas’ heritage, the collection merges tradition and excellence. Both shoes also feature the signatures of Bad Bunny and Messi, symbolizing their partnership and shared legacies.
“Messi’s last name has become its own word, a synonym for greatness, courage and heart,” said Benito Martinez Ocasio. “Watching him play with the passion he does is a privilege. I compare the love he feels for his country and his sport to the love I feel for music and Puerto Rico. Collaborating with him is an honor that so many people dream of and I never even imagined I could achieve it. Today, I feel so grateful to be able to represent our culture with the GOAT.”
“This campaign celebrates our fans. Seeing people who follow me and support me does more than just inspire me, it makes me feel very grateful. I always try to give everything I have on the pitch, so it’s great to see that there are people who appreciate that effort and always support me, even in bad times,” said Lionel Messi. On the collaboration with Benito, he commented, “Music is connected to many aspects of my life, and Bad Bunny is an artist who is never missing from my playlist.”
In celebration of this historic collaboration, adidas is launching a campaign that pays tribute to the millions of fans who have supported Bad Bunny and Messi. The campaign’s centerpiece is a heartfelt letter, crafted from fans’ messages across social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). The letter, brought to life in a short film featuring both stars, expresses these figures’ deep impact on their fans, with Messi and Bad Bunny taking turns reading it aloud.
The Bad Bunny & Messi F50 will be available globally for 300 EUR, while the Gazelle will be sold exclusively in North and South America for 180 EUR. Fans can sign up for the collection on the Adidas CONFIRMED app starting October 21, and it will be available in stores on October 26.
This collaboration redefines the intersection of sport and music, offering a unique moment that resonates beyond soccer and entertainment.
There aren’t many names in the world of music that are bigger than Bad Bunny. There aren’t many names in the world of sports that are bigger than Lionel Messi. Now, the two are coming together as part of a new collection from adidas that sits directly at the intersection of sport and culture.
some moments are made for the world to see. ⁰this is one of them.⁰⁰introducing Messi x Bad Bunny collection, available 10/26.
The aptly named ‘Bad Bunny & Messi’ Collection features special silhouettes of two shoes. One, the adidas Gazelle, is a favorite of Bad Bunny, while the other is the adidas F50 cleat, which Messi has worn throughout his decorated career. To celebrate two of the biggest stars on the planet linking up, adidas dropped a campaign film on Instagram on Monday afternoon.
Both releases will share a number of details, which adidas laid out in a release.
Each model in the collection pays tribute to individual trophies honoring Messi’s status as the best male footballer in the world, with gold hues inspired by the prestigious trophy and design elements like the ‘X’ stripe heel that reference Messi’s number 10 jersey number. The blue accents connect the designs to adidas’ heritage, blending tradition with excellence. Both the Gazelle and F50 models feature the signatures of Bad Bunny and Messi on their famous stripes, symbolizing their mutual respect and enduring legacy. The shoes also sport the Trefoil and Badge of Sport logos, along with the inscription ‘Bad Bunny Para Messi’ on the tongue. These designs transcend their original athletic purpose, fostering a new community that merges sport, music, fashion, and creative expression.
The F50s will be a worldwide release, while the Gazelles will only be available in North and South America. Both Messi and Bad Bunny expressed their admiration for one another in an interview with ESPN, with the latter saying a collaboration with Messi is “a dream come true” and Messi praising Bad Bunny’s music as being “part of the mix that always plays.”
Today, adidas Originals announces a one-of-a-kind partnership between two global superstars, Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, better known as Bad Bunny, and soccer legend Lionel Messi. The Bad Bunny & Messi Collection celebrates the incredible connection between music and sport, two passions that unite fans across the world, and pays homage to the individual legacies of Bad Bunny and Messi, while cementing adidas’ role in culture.
Bad Bunny has long admired Messi, referencing the soccer superstar in his music, including five mentions in his latest album. Messi, in turn, has expressed his own admiration for the Puerto Rican artist, revealing that seven Bad Bunny tracks are included on his personal pre-game playlist. As two adidas ambassadors, this collaboration reflects a deep mutual respect between the two stars — two titans in their fields — pushing the boundaries of their respective crafts.
The Bad Bunny & Messi Collection draws inspiration from adidas heritage models, materials, and colorways from its rich brand archives. It features two of adidas’ most celebrated silhouettes – the adidas Gazelle and the adidas F50 cleat. The F50 has been worn by Messi throughout his playing career and is widely recognized as one of the best soccer cleats of all time. The Gazelle has evolved from being worn in indoor soccer gyms to a lifestyle footwear icon and one of Bad Bunny’s favorite styles.
Each model in the collection pays tribute to individual trophies honoring Messi’s status as the best male footballer in the world, with gold hues inspired by the prestigious trophy and design elements like the ‘X’ stripe heel that reference Messi’s number 10 jersey number. The blue accents connect the designs to adidas’ heritage, blending tradition with excellence. Both the Gazelle and F50 models feature the signatures of Bad Bunny and Messi on their famous stripes, symbolizing their mutual respect and enduring legacy. The shoes also sport the Trefoil and Badge of Sport logos, along with the inscription ‘Bad Bunny Para Messi’ on the tongue. These designs transcend their original athletic purpose, fostering a new community that merges sport, music, fashion, and creative expression.
“Messi’s last name has become its own word, a synonym for greatness, courage and heart,”said Benito Martinez Ocasio.“Watching him play with the passion he does is a privilege. I compare the love he feels for his country and his sport to the love I feel for music and Puerto Rico. Collaborating with him is an honor that so many people dream of and I never even imagined I could achieve it. Today, I feel so grateful to be able to represent our culture with the GOAT.”
“This campaign celebrates our fans. Seeing people who follow me and support me does more than just inspire me, it makes me feel very grateful. I always try to give everything I have on the pitch, so it’s great to see that there are people who appreciate that effort and always support me, even in bad times,”said Lionel Messi. On the collaboration with Benito, he commented, “Music is connected to many aspects of my life, and Bad Bunny is an artist who is never missing from my playlist.”
To coincide with the launch, adidas is releasing a campaign that commemorates this groundbreaking partnership by honoring the millions of Bad Bunny and Messi fans who have voiced their devotion through social media, in the stands, and beyond, over the years. At the center of the campaign is a touching letter, crafted from the heartfelt words of fans on Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). This powerful message is brought to life in a short film featuring Messi and Bad Bunny, who read excerpts from the letter which begins with a soulful truth for both stars, “this country wouldn’t be the same,” says Messi, “… if you were born anywhere else,” continues Bad Bunny.
With a focus on creativity and excellence, this collection redefines the interplay between soccer and music, creating a moment that will resonate far beyond the worlds of sport and entertainment.
The Bad Bunny & Messi F50 will be available globally at RRP 300 EU. The Bad Bunny & Messi Gazelle will be available exclusively in North & South America at RRP 180 EUR. Sign-ups for the collection will be available on the CONFIRMED and adidas flagship apps starting October 21st, and in adidas flagship stores starting October 26th.
adidas Basketball has unveiled the limited-edition D.O.N. Issue #6 in collaboration with HARIBO, celebrating NBA star Donovan Mitchell’s love for the iconic gummi brand. This partnership brings Mitchell’s childhood favorite, HARIBO Goldbears, to life through a unique sneaker design.
The D.O.N. Issue #6, “Determination Over Negativity,” is crafted to inspire athletes and enhance on-court performance. The shoe supports Mitchell’s explosive playstyle, featuring zoned energy return, advanced cushioning, and a midfoot harness for stability.
The sneaker comes in two colorways: red, white, and green, inspired by HARIBO’s Goldbears flavors—Raspberry, Pineapple, and Strawberry—Mitchell’s favorites.
HARIBO created 2,500 custom bags of “Spida’s Picks” Goldbears to commemorate the collaboration, featuring a bespoke mix of flavors Mitchell chose.
The D.O.N. Issue #6 x HARIBO will be available for $130 on adidas.com and select retailers starting October 31, 2024.
adidas Basketball has officially revealed the Anthony Edwards 1 Mid “Light Purple” colorway, a new addition to the Minnesota Timberwolves star’s signature shoe line. Inspired by Minnesota icons who embrace the regal purple shade, the sneaker builds on Edwards’ rising success both on and off the court.
Designed for peak performance, the Anthony Edwards 1 Mid features cutting-edge technology to match the demands of explosive athletes. Key innovations include the Generative Support Wing, a distinct TPU design that provides stability and breathability, and Jet Boost technology, which enhances energy return and cushioning. Additionally, the shoe’s herringbone outsole offers superior traction for dynamic movement.
The Anthony Edwards 1 Mid “Light Purple” will retail for $120 and be available on adidas.com, select adidas stores, and retailers like Foot Locker and Champs Sports starting October 5, 2024.
To stay updated on the latest releases, including the upcoming Anthony Edwards 1 Low, visit adidas.com/Anthony_Edwards.
⁰this is one of them.⁰⁰introducing Messi x Bad Bunny collection, available 10/26. 
