Ralph Lauren cut sponsorship of Justin Thomas after golfer used homophobic slur
Mia Horton MARTHA CAMINA
ADAPTED BY BILLY MUNDAY
Actualizado
Justin Thomas has lost the sponsorship of Ralph Lauren after being caught using a homophobic slur while playing in the United States in January.
Golf's world No.3 came out to apologise after microphones picked up the comment while he was on the course at the Sentry Tour of Champions in Hawaii.
"It's inexcusable. First off, I just apologise," Thomas said on his use of the word 'faggot' after missing a shot.
"I'm an adult. I'm a grown man, there's absolutely no reason for me to say anything like that. It's terrible. I'm extremely embarrassed.
"It's not who I am, it's not the kind of person that I am or anything that I do. Unfortunately, I did it and I have to own up to it and I'm very apologetic."
The apology hasn't been enough to salvage his relationship with clothing brand Ralph Lauren, who have ended their sponsorship of the 27-year-old.
We are disheartened by Mr. Thomas's recent language, which is entirely inconsistent with our values," Ralph Lauren said in a statement.
"While we acknowledge that he has apologised and recognises the severity of his words, he is a paid ambassador of our brand and his actions conflict with the inclusive culture that we strive to uphold.
"In reflecting on the responsibility we have to all of our stakeholders, we have decided to discontinue our sponsorship of Mr. Thomas at this time.
"As we make this decision, our hope is that Mr. Thomas does the hard and necessary work in order to partner with us again - truly examining this incident, learning, growing and ultimately using his platform to promote inclusion."
