Supreme responds after Morrissey slates his own campaign

Supreme has cast many high-profile musicians in its ad campaigns – previous stars include Lou Reed, Neil Young and Lady Gaga. Yesterday, the skateboarding clothing brand revealed its latest star: Morrissey. As well as being used for the campaign, the Terry Richardson-shot images will be used for a t-shirt and a poster. However in a bizarre turn of events, the British singer took to his website shortly after they were revealed, expressing remorse over the campaign.

“I apologise enormously for the enfeebled photograph of me issued this week by Supreme. The shot was taken in October 2015. I considered the photograph to be fit only for a medical encyclopedia and I pleaded with Supreme not to use it. This was before I learned that Supreme were sponsored in part by the beef sandwich pharaoh known as White Castle. Supreme were issued with a legal caution not to use the photograph and their fee would be returned. Evidently Supreme have ignored my lawyer. No safety within the corridors of law. Ugh. I offer excessive apologies for this association. Shame is indeed the name.”

Known for endorsing vegetarianism and animal rights, it would appear that Morrissey’s change of heart was sparked by Supreme’s supposed association with White Castle. However the New York-based label’s association with the fast food chain is actually very limited. It is not, as Moz says, sponsored by the “beef sandwich pharaoh” – it just used the chain’s logo for a capsule collection back in 2015.

Today, Supreme issued a statement (see below) which sheds some light on the situation.

Because of Morrissey's refusal to repay his fee, Supreme will be using these images – despite his protests.