Cancel Culture is not a new term, but it is a whole new alley to manage as many renowned influencers have fallen from grace due to the movement’s unprecedented fast ostracism. We’ve seen the uprising of cancel culture for the past few years when artists, influencers, and celebrities of the highest ranks are wiped out and literally “canceled” over one public misstep in a matter of days.
Canceling an artist or influencer has major repercussions as they can lose thousands if not millions in paid income from brand endorsements, deals, collaborations to sponsored advertising. Which basically sends their whole influencer image into turmoil making it an exceedingly long journey to recuperate and restore their public reputation.
The loss of income and status is immaculate, and sometimes we must admit that companies make decisions too fast without thorough facts, only to further themselves from any negative press as quickly as possible. Take for instance Johnny Depp, who was immediately canceled amid allegations of domestic abuse to his ex-wife Amber Heard. Dior, on the other hand, decided not to part ways with the artist and is now reaping the rewards as Depp was acquitted of all charges.
Think of the influx of artists to whom this has been happening; Travis Scott, Ellen Degeneres, J.K. Rowling, Chrissy Teigen, and Chris Noth from Sex in the City. But with respect, for individuals to get “canceled”, they do in fact have to do something so outrageous that brands have no choice but take action and eliminate any association towards a negative ordeal.
Cancel Culture toward Kanye West’s outrageous social behaviour
Kanye West is the latest among celebrity influencers who are being canceled after his controversial Instagram rant calling out individuals and companies by name. This week Kanye published a series of offensive comments towards many influential figures as well as Adidas which puts his reputation at risk and under scrutiny.
By putting himself in this position, Kanye has not only come off as a “cyber bully” but is forcing the hands of many companies and influencers to distance themselves from his outrageous actions.
Adidas has since announced that they are putting its relationship with Kanye West under review amid growing acrimony between the designer and his closest corporate partner. Adidas said Thursday night that it was reviewing the troubled Yeezy partnership after trying repeatedly to resolve the situation privately.
West, who now goes by Ye, responded on Instagram by cursing at Adidas. He has had longstanding disagreements with the company about how the line has been managed without his consent and that they allegedly stole his designs. Later he deleted the post.
Although Yeezy has a very strong brand reputation, it’s inevitable that without Adidas’s partnership, the company would be in financial trouble as it won’t have the production capabilities to stay afloat with the massive market demand.
Kanye has dubbed himself as “uncancellable” due to his big reputation, cult following, and artistic genius but Adidas canceling one of its most lucrative forms of income says otherwise. The fact that it was a public dispute, use of foul language, calling out personal executive names, and associating himself with controversial racial movements are all facts that lead him to the end of his paid partnership.
Ultimately this leads to answering the crucial aspect of the importance of maintaining a self-image and respectable reputation that brands want to be associated with. No matter how big or wide your influence reaches, managing your self-image as a brand to steer away from the negative press will be the only hope in preventing cancel culture.
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