Is Adidas paying the price of ignoring warnings on Kanye West? It was during the fierce competition between sports brands that the company decided to have him on board around 2015, creating a fashion earthquake. No one expected a non-sport collaborator to be as successful, even the German company’s lead. Millions were earned, and the success continued until the cracks of Ye’s controversies began growing deeper and more visible.

Months after their split today, they face an investigation from upset investors who believe that the company turned a blind eye to West’s antics. But were they aware of Nike walking a similar path before? Reports from the past hint towards that answer.

Adidas was warned by Nike about this Kanye West problem

Just as Adidas fixes a solution to its $1.3 billion problem, a report about the past suggests how it could have avoided it. According to Bloomberg, the company ignored red signs given by Nike executives years ago. They warned that he was a difficult person to work with. The advice came since Ye had begun launching the Air Yeezy products with the company in 2009. It all began with the rapper’s accusations about the company despite a successful run.

The ‘Donda’ singer accused them of not paying royalties despite making a profit on the shoes. He told the public that they did so because he was not a ‘professional athlete’. With relations turning sour, the company released its final Yeezy shoes for $245 in 2014 as they sold out like hotcakes. By then Adidas had already fallen for Ye and even avoided Snoop Dogg to sign with the rapper.

Over the years, they continued to succeed monetarily, but it got increasingly difficult with Ye’s anti-Semitic remarks.

The aftermath of ignoring Mike’s warnings

Adidas eventually ended their partnership on the grounds that morality and ethics mattered more than money. But not before facing criticism from fans and angry investors for avoiding Ye’s red signs. It left them with $1.3 billion worth of unsold Yeezy products, with an ongoing investigation into the failed partnership now.

The company looks to move on now as signing Beyoncé as a replacement did not work. It has decided to sell the products by forwarding profits to charities. Meanwhile, Yeezy 10 is already ready to be sold as Kanye West revamps the line independently.

Do you think Adidas was in the wrong for avoiding Nike’s signals? Share your thoughts in the comments.