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The Ralph Lauren Corporation announced Friday night that it “has decided to end our sponsorship” of Justin Thomas, who made an anti-gay slur during last Saturday’s third round of the Sentry Tournament of Champions.
“We are discouraged by Mr. Thomas’ recent language, which is totally incompatible with our values,” the statement read. “While we recognize that he apologized and recognizes the severity of his words, he is a paid ambassador of our brand and his actions are at odds with the inclusive culture that we strive to uphold. Reflecting on the responsibility we have to all of our stakeholders, we have decided to end our sponsorship of Mr. Thomas for now.
“As we make this decision, we hope that Mr. Thomas will do the hard and necessary work to partner with us again – by genuinely examining this incident, learning, growing and ultimately using his platform to promote the ‘inclusion.
Thomas, who had been with the mark since turning pro in 2013, delivered the insult after missing a putt on Kapalua’s fourth hole, then apologized after his turn.
“There is no excuse,” Thomas told Golf Channel shortly after. “I’m an adult. I’m a grown man. I have absolutely no reason to say something like that. It’s terrible. I’m extremely embarrassed. It’s not who I am. It’s not. the kind of person I am But unfortunately I did and I have to admit it and I am very sorry.
“Like I said, it’s excusable. I am speechless. It’s bad. There is no other way to tell. I need to do better. I need to be better. It is definitely a learning experience. I deeply apologize to everyone I have offended and I will be better for it.
Golf Channel has contacted Thomas’ representation, who has not commented at this time.
Justin Thomas apologizes for using homophobic slurs on TOC
Full statement here:
At Ralph Lauren Corporation, we believe in the dignity of all people, regardless of age, race, gender identity, ethnicity, political affiliation or sexual orientation. It’s part of our long-standing commitment to fostering cultures of belonging – in the workplace and in communities around the world.
We are discouraged by Mr. Thomas’ recent language, which is totally incompatible with our values. While we recognize that he apologized and acknowledges the severity of his words, he is a paid ambassador of our brand and his actions conflict with the inclusive culture we strive to uphold.
Reflecting on the responsibility we have to all of our stakeholders, we have decided to end our sponsorship of Mr. Thomas for now. As we make this decision, we hope that Mr. Thomas will do the hard and necessary work to partner with us again – by genuinely examining this incident, learning, growing, and ultimately using his platform to promote the inclusion.
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