The endless vicious cycle of fake news being perpetuated in every form of media is an epidemic pervading the United States.
We’ve actually gotten to this point where you might be more informed if you completely ignore the accusations that particular journalists claim and everyone should be fully aware that if the story is juicy enough, that person has a huge career-upside if it works – whether it’s true or not.
And Reebok just blasted a no-name journalist over a report claiming that Beyonce did this shocking thing during a meeting.
Beyonce and Jay Z are two of the most famous people in the world and almost nobody epitomizes a “power couple” quite like them.
With that worldwide status comes a price though. Journalists will make things up like fake stories in a desperate attempt to achieve fame as well. One of the biggest fake news stories recently was an early report that Colin Kaepernick received approximately an $80 million payout from the NFL in a settlement from the collusion lawsuit.
Now, they think it’s somewhere closer to $8 million. People who weren’t in the room love to claim what they think happened because hyperbole sells.
And that’s precisely what happened when ESPN writer Nick De Paula claimed on Rachel Nichols’ “The Jump” that Beyonce walked out of a meeting with Reebok after the team that pitched her lacked a diversity that represents her skin color. Allegedly, it was a bunch of white people.
This comes on the heels after Beyonce landed a mega contract with Adidas to create a new signature footwear and apparel line for the company.
Reebok was in contract with her for a long time until Adidas made the announcement last week.
However, Reebok blasted De Paula in a statement over the weekend categorically denying the accusation.
A spokesperson for Reebok told TMZ, “The report that Beyoncé walked out of a meeting with Reebok due to lack of diversity is categorically false. Our discussions with Beyoncé and her team continued for several months after our initial meeting. We are disappointed that false information is being reported as fact.”
De Paula spoke about what his sources told him as if it was fact saying, “She had a meeting at Reebok and they had a whole presentation of everything, potential products, how this could all look, and she kind of took a step back and said, ‘Is this the team that will be working on my product?’Somebody said, ‘Yes,’ and she said, ‘Nobody in this room reflects by background, my skin color and where I’m from and what I want to do.’ So she took a step back and left and then it did not come to terms.”
The simple fact remains that Reebok executives were in the room and De Paula is relying on sources. Who would you believe?
In the meantime, Adidas landing arguably the biggest pop star in the world is a massive deal for them and it came at a right time for the German apparel giant.
From 2011-2015, Adidas share prices have declined in America. Beyonce was the answer to their problem, which is significant because large apparel and footwear brands rely on athletes to sell its products.
Retail analyst with NPD Group, Matt Powell, said of the deal, “This one has potential. Her role will be much broader and deeper than just an endorsement, and her reach is deeper as well. No idea what they are paying, but surely a lot. Not sure the economics work out, but this one will be interesting.”
Beyonce called the deal “the partnership of a lifetime for me.”