Adidas global creative director Paul Gaudio has left the company, effective August 31, according to an internal memo from the company. The memo did not give a reason but it arrived two days after Gaudio left a controversial comment on a Complex Instagram post.
Under a photo of Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17-year-old accused of murdering two protesters in Kenosha, WI, Gaudio wrote a comment some interpreted as sympathizing with Rittenhouse.
Gaudio had been global creative director since August 2014, and prior to that was GM digital sports overseeing Micoach.
Adidas said in a statement provided to Complex, “We are very grateful for his contributions over his long tenure, including the last six years as our global creative director. Paul’s creative vision, deep understanding of consumer trends, and passion for breaking down the barriers between sports and the arts have played an important role in building our brand.”
Photo courtesy Adidas/Paul Gaudio
