Mixed Martial Arts: UFC Kiwi Star Israel Adesanya Dropped As Ambassador By BMW After Rape Comment

BMW has ruled out Kiwi UFC superstar Israel Adesanya as an ambassador following his comments on the violation.

Adesanya was due to introduce himself as the new face of BMW New Zealand on Monday, the same day as the launch of the new BMW M3 and M4 models.

However, the offensive comments Adesanya made earlier this week on social media, threatening to rape fellow UFC fighter Kevin Holland, have gotten him into trouble.

“Brother, I am going to … I will rape you,” Adesanya said as part of what he perceived as “fight talk.”

In a statement to the Herald, BMW said: “Due to comments made by an athlete online, we have reviewed our pending partnership with said athlete and have decided not to go ahead with a specific brand ambassador at this time in New Zealand.”

Adesanya’s stock has risen tremendously in the public sphere in recent years, making him one of the UFC’s biggest stars. He has won a 20-0 record in the middleweight division of which he is champion, and was named Sportsman of the Year at the 2019 Halberg Awards.

Earlier on Friday, Adesanya apologized for the comment on Instagram that has since been removed.

“The conversation about last weekend’s fight escalated to a point where I crossed the line. I understand the gravity of this word and how it can affect and harm other people besides my opponent, although that was NEVER my intention.” Adesanya said.

“I’m still growing up in the spotlight, and I take this as a lesson to be more selective with words under pressure.”