20 Brand Deals Celebs Lost Overnight

Celebrity endorsements can vanish in a flash when controversy or contract clashes hit the headlines. Brands move quickly to protect their image, and deals that took years to build can end in a single statement. The cases below show how fast partnerships can unravel and what triggered the decision each time. From sports icons to internet stars, here are notable examples of brand deals that were pulled almost instantly.

Kanye West – Adidas

Adidas terminated its partnership with Kanye West after a series of antisemitic remarks and public outbursts in 2022. The company announced the end of Yeezy product production and all payments to the artist. Retailers pulled remaining inventory and future releases were canceled. The decision led to a significant revenue hit for Adidas but the brand cited zero tolerance for hate speech.

Kyrie Irving – Nike

Nike suspended and then ended its deal with Kyrie Irving in 2022 following his promotion of antisemitic content. The brand canceled the planned release of his next signature shoe. Irving later became a free agent in the sneaker market. Nike stated that the partnership could not continue under those circumstances.

Lance Armstrong – Nike

Nike dropped Lance Armstrong in 2012 after the release of the USADA report on doping. The brand removed his name from charity products and cut ties with the Livestrong endorsement campaign. Armstrong stepped down from the Livestrong Foundation board the same day. Nike cited deceit over many years as the reason for ending the relationship.

Tiger Woods – Accenture

Accenture ended its global sponsorship with Tiger Woods in 2009 after revelations about his personal life. The consulting firm pulled all advertising that featured the golfer. Airport and print campaigns were swapped out within days. Accenture said the golfer was no longer the right representative for its messaging.

Paula Deen – Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods ended its partnership with Paula Deen in 2013 after she admitted in a deposition to using racist language. The company halted all promotional activities tied to her name. Retail partners also reassessed product placements linked to her brand. The move followed swift action from other corporations that distanced themselves the same week.

Rick Ross – Reebok

Reebok dropped Rick Ross in 2013 after public backlash over lyrics that appeared to condone sexual assault. The company said the lyrics did not align with its values. Planned campaigns and in-store promotions were canceled immediately. The decision came after protests and petitions from consumers.

Jared Fogle – Subway

Subway ended its relationship with Jared Fogle in 2015 after authorities investigated him and he later pleaded guilty to criminal charges. The brand removed all references to him from marketing channels. In-store materials and archived ads were taken down quickly. Subway stated that it had zero tolerance for his conduct.

Chris Brown – Wrigley’s Doublemint

Wrigley suspended and then ended Chris Brown’s Doublemint campaign in 2009 after his arrest for assault. The company pulled commercials and radio spots that used a branded remix. Contracts tied to tour promotions were also halted. The brand said the messages in its ads conflicted with the situation.

Michael Phelps – Kellogg’s

Kellogg’s declined to renew Michael Phelps’s endorsement in 2009 after a photo surfaced of him using a bong. The cereal maker removed his image from packaging and advertising. Other sponsors reviewed their contracts but stayed in place. Kellogg’s cited the standards expected from athletes on its boxes.

Ryan Lochte – Speedo

Speedo USA terminated its deal with Ryan Lochte in 2016 after he fabricated details about an incident in Rio. The company announced a donation of a portion of his fee to a Brazilian charity. Product collaborations and swim clinics were canceled. Speedo said the athlete’s actions were not consistent with its values.

Maria Sharapova – Tag Heuer

Tag Heuer ended talks to extend Maria Sharapova’s contract in 2016 after she announced a failed drug test. The brand had previously paused promotions pending more information. Point of sale materials were taken down in key markets. Other sponsors opted to suspend rather than renew during her suspension.

Madonna – Pepsi

Pepsi canceled Madonna’s high profile campaign in 1989 after controversy around the music video tied to the ad. The brand pulled the commercial after one broadcast and ended the deal. Pepsi maintained that the ad itself was not offensive but the associated video created issues. The company withdrew planned global rollouts immediately.

PewDiePie – Disney’s Maker Studios

Maker Studios, a Disney subsidiary, cut ties with PewDiePie in 2017 after antisemitic jokes appeared in his videos. The network removed him from its preferred advertising program. A planned second season of a premium series was canceled. The decision led to shifts in how creators were vetted on large platforms.

Kathy Griffin – Squatty Potty

Squatty Potty suspended and then ended its campaign with Kathy Griffin in 2017 after her photo controversy involving a mock severed head. The brand withdrew ads and social content featuring her. Planned appearances were canceled with immediate effect. The company said its customers expected a different tone from partners.

James Charles – Morphe

Morphe ended its relationship with James Charles in 2021 following allegations of inappropriate messaging. The cosmetics retailer discontinued his product lines from its stores and website. Remaining inventory was phased out with announcements to customers. The company emphasized commitments to consumer safety and trust.

Shane Dawson – Morphe

Morphe cut ties with Shane Dawson in 2020 after resurfaced videos showed offensive content. The retailer removed his makeup collections and shut down restocks. Collaboration pages on the site went offline the same day. Statements from the brand framed the decision as a response to community concerns.

DaBaby – BoohooMAN

BoohooMAN ended its collaboration with DaBaby in 2021 after his homophobic comments at a festival. The fashion brand canceled a capsule release that had already been photographed. Social posts and lookbooks were pulled from public view. The company reiterated an inclusive brand stance in its announcement.

6ix9ine – Fashion Nova

Fashion Nova dropped 6ix9ine in 2018 after his legal issues escalated. A planned clothing collaboration was canceled before launch. The brand removed teaser content from social media. Lawsuits later referenced the termination as part of broader disputes.

Oscar Pistorius – Nike

Nike terminated its contract with Oscar Pistorius in 2013 after he was charged in a murder case. The company ended all advertising that featured him. Training events and appearances were removed from calendars. Nike confirmed the immediate nature of the decision once charges became public.

Michael Vick – Nike

Nike severed ties with Michael Vick in 2007 after his indictment in a dogfighting case. The brand canceled a signature shoe and related marketing plans. Retailers pulled scheduled displays tied to upcoming seasons. Vick later re-signed years after serving his sentence, but the initial termination happened quickly.

Share your take in the comments and tell us which case surprised you the most and why.