TJX Companies, Peloton Follows Suit Amidst Brands Dropping Kanye West
One by one, brands take a stand against the "Yeezy" founder after he's made his anti-semitic remarks.
Rapper Kanye West has been surrounded by controversy ever since his "White Lives Matter" fashion statement. However, the breaking point that shocked the internet was when he got into online feuds and dropped bombshell anti-semitic remarks, resulting in the rapper getting restricted on Instagram and Twitter.
Since the controversy surrounding Kanye West, numerous fashion brands have cut their ties with the rapper including Balenciaga, Vogue, Adidas, Gap, and more. Fans have taken to social media to pressure brands to follow suit in the movement to condemn the "Flashing Lights" rapper's controversial behavior.
TJX Boycotts Kanye West Merchandise
As the latest brand to cut ties with Kanye West, TJX Companies -- operators of department store chains T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and Home Goods has condemned any association with the rapper in a recent statement to CNN Business.
"At TJX we do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or hate of any kind. We have instructed our buying teams not to purchase this merchandise for sale in any of our stores globally." A representative from TJX Companies stated.
Peloton, the RealReal, and the TJ Maxx brand of stores (including Marshalls) announce they have stopped streaming Kanye West’s music and selling his Yeezy apparel, adding to the growing number of companies that are cutting ties with the disgraced rapper. pic.twitter.com/TX3dOwSNjN
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) October 27, 2022
Peloton Condemns Kanye West by Banning His Music
Additionally, Peloton, the exercise equipment company known for their digital workout equipment and classes has also made their stand known regarding the viral antisemitism remarks.
In a recent episode of the Peloton fan podcast, "TheClipOut", instructor Alex Toussaint has reassured his classes that any songs from Kanye West will not be played to create a safe space for listeners.
"I want to make sure everyone feels safe in my environment and my classes. I'm not going to speak too much on it because you know I stand with you." Instructor Alex Toussaint expressed to listeners. "You will not hear the artist in my class at all, I promise y'all. I do not support hate speech whatsoever."
Additionally, a Peloton spokesperson explained their views in a statement to the podcast:
"We take this issue very seriously and can confirm Peloton indefinitely paused the use of Kanye West's music on our platform. This means our instructors are no longer using his music in any newly produced classes and we are not suggesting any class that includes his music in our proactive recommendations to members."
As of now, no representatives from Kanye West have given any comment on the recent boycott of his merchandise and music.
