Uh oh, did Kanye West and sports brand Adidas just create a new controversy?
The American rapper has been accused of insulting Islam with the names of his latest Yeezy Boost sneakers.
YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 ISRAFIL. AVAILABLE AUGUST 22 IN ASIA PACIFIC, EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA AT https://t.co/SNOmpVaWg8, ON THE ADIDAS APP IN SELECT COUNTRIES, AND IN SELECT ADIDAS STORES. pic.twitter.com/TqUvKf2ion
ADVERTISEMENT— adidas Originals (@adidasoriginals) August 17, 2020
Many netizens are upset after Adidas announced the name of its collab with the “Knock You Down” hit-maker’s new collection, named Israfil and Asriel. For those who don’t know, the names of the footwear line is named after the Islamic angels.
Israfil is one of four archangels in Islam. He is usually depicted with a horn, which he will blow on Judgment Day (Qiyamat). On the other hand, Asraiel (taken from Azrael), plays the role as the Angel of Death, who transports the souls of the deceased after their death.
Kanye West and Adidas making mockery of Islam….. pic.twitter.com/LDHlJEiQ54
— Abdullah kun (@bin_zeshan) August 23, 2020
Dear @adidas I am gonna STOP buying and using your products if those Kanye West's newest shoes' names aren't changed because it IT DOES NOT RESPECT Islam. #ShameOnKanyeWest #ShameOnYeezy
— saymyname (@SeptianaTri3) August 23, 2020
The announcement was met with massive backlash from Muslim netizens. Many criticised both Kanye and the famous sportswear brand for mocking the religion. Worse, others also threatened to stop buying and using their products if they refused to change the names of the shoes.
Also, a petition has been launched by the Global Muslim community online, which calls for Adidas to change the names of the sneakers. “It has come to the attention of the Global Muslim community that Adidas has allowed the production of a shoe that is named after an archangel in Islam,” the petition stated.
They also requested the public to boycott all products related to the brand. The petition has gained over 300 signatures as at time of writing (Monday, 24th August).
For those interested, check out the link here.
Source: NME.
