Dannon Drops Cam Newton As Spokesperson Following Sexist Interview Response
When you’re a star athlete in any professional sport, you really have to be careful with what you say. It could get you into some trouble otherwise. As Dannon drops Cam Newton over some controversial comments he gave at a press conference, that lesson rings loud and clear.
Newton’s much criticized remarks to a female reporter, regarded by many as sexist, have cost him a sponsorship with food giant Dannon. Newton has worked with Dannon on several ads relating to their yogurt brand, Oikos, but that alliance is now at an end because of what he said.
Newton has been receiving backlash over the past day for comments made to journalist Jourdan Rodrigue after she asked him a question about passing routes.
“It’s funny to hear a female talk about routes, like… it’s funny.”
Dannon’s statement in response to what Newton said claims that they were “shocked and disheartened” at his behavior, which they viewed as “sexist and disparaging to all women.” As a result, Dannon has dropped him from their advertising. Newton will no longer appear on Oikos ads, but he will still be paid for the duration of his deal, USA Today reports.
UPDATE: After this story went to press, Cam Newton has since apologized for his remarks.