The investor group is alleging the sportswear brand was fully aware of West’s problematic behaviour years ago

Adidas is being sued by a group of investors after the company ended its relationship with Kanye West.

The investor group is alleging the sportswear brand was fully aware of West’s problematic behaviour years ago, and failed to take measures to minimise negative implications.

The company ended its collaboration with the rapper last year following anti-semitic comments.

Adidas revealed earlier this year that it will likely lose hundreds of millions of dollars over unsold Yeezy products.

In a statement, Adidas said: “We outright reject these unfounded claims, and will take all necessary measures to vigorously defend ourselves against them”.

West is not party to the investor lawsuit.

Last October, when the company ended the collaboration, it said: “Adidas does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech.

“Ye’s recent comments and actions have been unacceptable, hateful and dangerous, and they violate the company’s values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect and fairness.”