Fox Stations CEO Addresses Controversial Yeezy Ad During Super Bowl LIX
Following the broadcast of a Yeezy.com advertisement during Super Bowl LIX on Febuary 9, 2025, Fox Television Stations CEO Jack Abernethy addressed staff regarding the ensuing controversy. The ad, which aired in select markets including Los Angeles’ KTTV Fox 11, sparked outrage after Kanye West, also known as Ye, began promoting antisemitic messages and selling merchandise featuring a swastika on the advertised website.
The Initial Ad and Subsequent Website Transformation
The initial Yeezy.com advertisement presented itself as a legitimate online apparel retailer. However, shortly after the Super Bowl LIX broadcast, the website’s content drastically changed. According to Abernethy, the site was “switched at some point afterwards, and completely outside of our stations control, respondents to the commercials were redirected toward the marketing of a wholly appalling product.” This product was a T-shirt emblazoned with a swastika, priced at $20.
abernethy’s Condemnation and Fox’s Stance
In his email to Fox TV Stations employees, Abernethy expressed regret over the airing of the advertisement and firmly condemned antisemitism. He stated, We regret that these commercials aired in these three markets, and we strongly condemn any form of antisemitism.
Abernethy’s note emphasized Fox’s commitment to combating antisemitism through support of organizations like the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism and the United Jewish Appeal Federation. He wrote, As you well no, Fox is a strong supporter of such organizations as the “Foundation to Combat Antisemitism,” the “United jewish Appeal Federation,” and others through direct support or on-air promotion of their campaigns and we will continue to work with them in combating antisemitism.
The Fallout: Shopify and X Take Action
The repercussions extended beyond the initial broadcast. Shopify, the e-commerce platform hosting Yeezy.com, removed the store, citing violations of its terms of service.A Shopify representative stated on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, that the website did not engage in authentic commerce practices and violated our terms.
This action aligns with Shopify’s commitment to maintaining a safe and trustworthy platform for both merchants and consumers.
Furthermore, West’s X (formerly Twitter) profile was deactivated following a series of posts containing antisemitic, misogynistic, and pornographic content.Just days before the deactivation,West declared I’m a Nazi
and called Hitler so fresh.
These statements drew widespread condemnation from anti-hate organizations.
Condemnation from Anti-Hate Organizations
Organizations like the Anti-defamation League (ADL) and the American Jewish Committee (AJC) swiftly condemned West’s remarks. These groups have been at the forefront of combating antisemitism and hate speech for decades.According to the ADL, antisemitic incidents in the U.S. have been on the rise in recent years, underscoring the importance of denouncing such behaviour.
In a statement released shortly after West’s comments, the ADL stated that his words were “dangerous and unacceptable,” further emphasizing the need for social media platforms and other institutions to take decisive action against hate speech.
The Broader Context: Antisemitism in America
The controversy surrounding the Yeezy ad highlights a concerning trend: the rise of antisemitism in the United States. According to a 2023 report by the ADL, antisemitic incidents reached an all-time high, with a 36% increase compared to the previous year.This includes acts of vandalism, harassment, and violence targeting Jewish individuals and institutions.
this incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to combat antisemitism in all its forms. Education, awareness, and strong condemnation of hate speech are crucial steps in creating a more inclusive and tolerant society.
Fox’s Internal Memo: A Statement from Jack Abernethy
The following is the full text of the memo sent by Jack Abernethy to Fox Television Stations employees:
To All FTS Employees:
I wanted to take a moment to address a commercial that ran in three of our local television station markets during Super Bowl LIX on Fox.
The ad, which was presented as a legitimate online apparel site before and during the airing of the Super Bowl, was switched at some point afterwards, and completely outside of our stations control respondents to the commercials were redirected toward the marketing of a wholly appalling product.
We regret that these commercials aired in these three markets, and we strongly condemn any form of antisemitism.
As you well know, Fox is a strong supporter of such organizations as the “Foundation to Combat Antisemitism,” the “United Jewish Appeal Federation,” and others through direct support or on-air promotion of their campaigns and we will continue to work with them in combating antisemitism.
Jack Abernethy, CEO, Fox Television Stations