Adidas CEO Stands by Kanye West Amid Antisemitism Controversy

Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden defended Kanye West over his antisemitic comments, stating that he doesn't believe West meant what he said and that he isn't a bad person. Gulden expressed regret over the termination of their Yeezy partnership, calling it "very unfortunate." Adidas had cut ties with West following a series of controversial incidents and statements, including wearing a "White Lives Matter" shirt and making derogatory remarks about Jews. The fallout from the controversy, along with drops in sales in China and the winding down of business in Russia, impacted Adidas' balance sheet.