Paris (AFP)
The Lacoste clothing brand told AFP on Friday evening that it had ended its collaboration with rappers Moha La Squale and Romeo Elvis, both accused of sexual assault by young women on social networks.
"The brand would like to clarify that when we associate our image with an ambassador, it is clear that the idea behind is to open up new horizons for each other. This is not what is currently happening in France with some d 'between them and we deeply regret it, "according to a statement sent to AFP, which confirms information from BFMTV.
Lacoste specifies having "stopped collaborating with Moha La Squale for several months because his behavior no longer corresponded to the values of the brand".
Regarding Romeo Elvis, "we will not extend his contract," said a spokesperson, without further details.
"We totally condemn all forms of violence, harassment and aggression," the statement added.
"We will continue to partner with ambassadors from different backgrounds but we will always condemn any attitude contrary to our values of respect and tolerance," he says.
Lacoste partnered with Moha La Squale in 2018 for the personalization of several outfits, while Belgian rapper Roméo Elvis announced in 2019 a collaboration with the famous brand with the little green crocodile.
Moha La Squale has been the target of an investigation since early September, for "sexual assault", "willful violence" and "death threats" after the accusations of three women, who have filed a complaint.
A fourth complaint was filed on September 11.
The 25-year-old rapper was one of the great revelations of 2018 with his first album "Bendero", acclaimed by the public (gold record, more than 50,000 copies sold) and by critics.
Nominated for the Victoires de la musique 2019, the charismatic artist with long hair, passed by the Cours Florent, was spotted with "freestyles" posted on Facebook and YouTube, where we see him rapping in his kitchen or in his neighborhood from "La Banane" to Ménilmontant, in the twentieth arrondissement of the capital.
Romeo Elvis, 27, apologized in early September on social networks for "using (his) hands inappropriately on someone", believing he was responding "to an invitation that was not an invitation".
"What is too often seen as a trivial act is a mistake not to be made", added the rapper before concluding: "I am not proud of this situation and hope to serve as an example not to follow".
"(Romeo Elvis) sexually assaulted me #balancetonrappeur", could one read on a story of an account not allowing to identify the author.
The latter also posted screenshots of the artist telling him that he was "a shit on the spot" and was "really ashamed".
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