Kyrie Irving, an NBA star, has recently become the chief creative officer of ANTA, a sneaker brand that has been linked to forced labor and human rights abuses in China's Xinjiang region [5ccdebaf]. ANTA has been accused of using supply chains connected to forced labor that fund the genocide against Uyghur Muslims [5ccdebaf]. Despite these allegations, ANTA denies any involvement in forced labor and claims that their suppliers are prohibited from using it [5ccdebaf]. However, the U.S. State Department has warned about ANTA's participation in these practices [5ccdebaf]. The Uyghur population in Xinjiang has been subjected to imprisonment, forced labor, and other human rights abuses [5ccdebaf]. The international community has taken action against China's cotton trade to hold the country accountable for these abuses, but ANTA continues to proudly source cotton from Xinjiang, despite international bans on the material [5ccdebaf]. The endorsement deal between Kyrie Irving and ANTA raises concerns about accountability and ethical standards [5ccdebaf].
NBA stars, including LeBron James, have been criticized for denouncing Hamas torture in Israel while remaining silent on China's persecution of the Uyghurs [b4c076e8]. The NBA's lucrative partnership with China is seen as a reason for players to avoid speaking out against human rights abuses [b4c076e8]. Members of both parties have called for NBA players to stop endorsing or wearing gear from Chinese sportswear companies involved in forced labor [b4c076e8]. Enes Kanter Freedom, an NBA player and human rights activist, recently joined the program 'Don't @ Me With Dan Dakich' to discuss these issues [e57ab18d]. Kanter Freedom has been vocal about his opposition to human rights abuses in China and has testified before Congress about the NBA's avoidance of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act [b4c076e8] [e57ab18d]. He has criticized NBA players for prioritizing money over human rights and called on them to refuse to associate with companies that source products from Xinjiang [b4c076e8] [e57ab18d]. Kanter Freedom's participation in the program highlights the growing awareness and discussion of human rights issues within the NBA [e57ab18d].
In contrast to the NBA's complicity in human rights abuses, NBA star Jonathan Isaac has launched an apparel company called Unitus that aims to provide a brand aligned with Godly and constitutional values [856cc8f9]. Isaac believes that many brands and sports companies have moved away from these values, and he wanted to offer an alternative for people who want to buy with their values [856cc8f9]. Unitus aims to create a community of individuals who are passionate about faith, family, freedom, and the pursuit of greatness [856cc8f9]. Isaac's decision to stand for the national anthem in 2020, while his teammates kneeled during the Black Lives Matter protests, was driven by his faith and belief in the power of love and forgiveness [856cc8f9]. He believes that true change and progress can come from loving each other despite our differences and shortcomings [856cc8f9]. Isaac's book, 'Why I Stand,' further explores his faith and the importance of Jesus Christ in his life [856cc8f9]. Unitus encourages people to support their ministry with a monthly gift starting from $7 [856cc8f9].
Kanye West recently leaked an alleged Adidas internal document on Instagram, emphasizing the importance of human rights [2121d18e]. The document, dated February 26, states that Adidas is the sole owner of the Yeezy product, including design rights [2121d18e]. Adidas instructed employees to redirect customers to an email address for issues regarding the Yeezy line [2121d18e]. Earlier in the week, Adidas announced the sale of remaining Yeezy inventory following their separation from Kanye in 2022 [2121d18e]. Kanye criticized the company for selling 'fake' pairs of his sneakers and claimed that Adidas is suing him [2121d18e]. This leak raises questions about Kanye's decision to do the deal with Adidas in the first place [2121d18e].
Dao-Yi Chow has been named the creative director and vice president of New Era Cap. He will oversee the design of the brand's first namesake apparel line, Brand New Era [cec9e192]. Model Alliance is planning a rally at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to bring attention to the Fashion Workers Act, a bill that would regulate management agencies in New York and provide models with more workplace protections [cec9e192]. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has announced that she is stepping down from Rose Inc, the beauty brand she founded in 2018 [cec9e192].