Yeezy controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2025
Swastika-bearing Yeezy merchandise controversy
Reporting on a 2025 Super Bowl advertisement said Yeezy.com displayed a T-shirt featuring a black swastika, prompting widespread criticism.
2022
Adidas termination after antisemitic statements
Adidas ended its commercial relationship with West after a series of antisemitic public statements and related controversy.
2021
Walmart reportedly removes Yeezy Foam Runner replica listings
Company response
In a reported controversy involving Yeezy, Walmart reportedly removed Yeezy Foam Runner replica shoes from its website on June 25, 2021, after Kanye West accused the retailer of selling the replicas. The report noted that the shoes remained available on other websites. The report did not specify any further details about the outcome or any legal action.
Company response
Remediation — Walmart
the retail giant removed the items, which Kanye West accused them of ripping off and selling, on Friday (June 25).
Source excerpt
Walmart has reportedly removed their Yeezy Foam Runner replica shoes from their website. According to a report from TMZ on Monday (June 28), the retail giant removed the items, which Kanye West accused them of ripping off and selling, on Friday (June 25).
the retail giant removed the items, which Kanye West accused them of ripping off and selling, on Friday (June 25).
Walmart has reportedly removed their Yeezy Foam Runner replica shoes from their website.
2021
Yeezy controversy: Kanye West sues Walmart over alleged Foam Runner imitation
Lawsuit filed
In 2021, Kanye West filed a lawsuit against Walmart alleging that the retailer offered an imitation of the Yeezy Foam Runner and that consumers could mistakenly believe the shoes were associated with West and the Yeezy brand. Walmart responded that the product was sold by third-party Marketplace sellers rather than by Walmart itself, and that it was reviewing the claim. The dispute centered on the alleged imitation and the potential for consumer confusion over brand association.
Company response
Clarification — Walmart
The product referenced in the complaint is not sold by Walmart, but rather by third party Marketplace sellers
Investigation — Walmart
We take allegations like this seriously and are reviewing the claim.
Source excerpt
Kanye West is suing Walmart with claims the retail giant is stepping on his “iconic” fashion brand by selling knockoff versions of his Yeezy Foam Runner.
“Consumers are purchasing the imitation Yeezy Foam Runner footwear from Walmart on the mistaken belief that the shoes are associated with West and the Yeezy brand, as evidenced by comments on the Walmart website and social media,”
We take allegations like this seriously and are reviewing the claim.
2021
California sues Yeezy over alleged shipping delays
Lawsuit filed
The State of California sued Yeezy, alleging that it repeatedly failed to ship items within 30 days and failed to provide adequate delay notices or refund offers to California consumers.
Source excerpt
California says Yeezy "repeatedly violated" the state's business code "by failing to ship items within thirty days and failing to provide adequate delay notices to California consumers, or provide an offer of a refund," according to the lawsuit.
Kanye West's apparel brand Yeezy was hit by a lawsuit from the State of California on Friday, alleging illegal shipping delays.
As supply chain woes continue, late last week several District Attorneys on behalf of the State of California filed a lawsuit against Kanye West’s apparel brand, Yeezy, alleging that the Yeezy companies violated state law because they failed to ship items within thirty days and failed to provide adequate delay notices, or provide an offer of a refund.
2021
Yeezy sues former intern
Lawsuit filed
Yeezy sued former intern Ryan Inwards in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleging that he shared confidential photos and seeking $500,000 in damages, punitive damages, and an injunction.
Source excerpt
According to court documents filed on Friday, Jan, 15, in L.A. County Superior Court, Inwards is accused of sharing non-public images on Instagram and has refused to delete them even after receiving multiple cease and desist letters.
His apparel company Yeezy is suing Ryan Inwards, a former intern, for posting confidential photos on Instagram.
The lawsuit is seeking liquidated damages as well as punitive damages because Yeezy apparel believes Inwards is being malicious. They are also seeking an injunction demanding he returns all of their images and is barred him from ever doing anything similar again.