Ralph Lauren, his strong action against homophobia

The American brand Ralph Lauren announced, on January 15, the end of its partnership with Justin Thomas. This rupture follows the homophobic curse launched by the golfer and in spite of his mea culpa.

Ralph Lauren, intractable and uncompromising facing homophobia. The American brand formalized, in a press release published Friday, January 15, the severance of its partnership with the golfer Justin Thomas. In question, the homophobic insult uttered by the American athlete and captured by a television microphone, after a missed putt during a professional tournament that was played in Hawaii six days earlier. “We believe in the dignity of all human beings, regardless of their age, race, gender, ethnicity, political affiliation or sexual orientation,” the brand said. She adds: “We are appalled by the recent language of Mr. Thomas, which is totally incompatible with our values.”

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Excuses that do not pass

The partnership between the brand and the 27-year-old golfer began in 2013, but no matter how long the friendship lasted, the final word was not long in coming. And this despite the apologies offered by Justin Thomas, live on the Golf Channel. “First of all, I apologize. I am an adult. I have absolutely no reason to say anything of the sort. It’s terrible, he said before adding, I am extremely embarrassed. It’s not the kind of person I am or the kind of thing I do. ” But Ralph Lauren will need more. In its press release, the brand states: “while we recognize that he apologized while confessing the severity of his words, he is a paid ambassador of our brand and his actions are in conflict with the inclusive culture that we strive to defend. ” Indeed, no later than 2020, the fashion giant was committed to the LGBTQ + community with a capsule in the colors of the rainbow. A non-gendered collection called “We Stand Together”, part of the proceeds of which were donated to the Stonewall Community Foundation.

Ralph Lauren, however, seems willing to give the golfer a second chance. Generous, she even whispers an idea to redeem herself. “We hope that Mr. Thomas will do the hard and necessary work to partner with us again,” she wrote at the end of her press release. By really reflecting on this incident, learning, growing and ultimately using his platform to promote inclusion. ” The ball is in his court.