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Yeezy Designer Steven Smith Fired After Kanye Criticism

12/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In August 2024, Steven Smith, longtime Yeezy footwear designer, was abruptly dismissed after eight years.
He helped elevate Yeezy's sneaker business, which was valued at $3 billion in 2019.
Smith criticized Kanye West's behavior, including antisemitic remarks, saying, "He's lost his mind."
He warned, "If I stop creating, it's going to kill me."
Now 60, Smith has had a long career and contributed to many popular sneaker designs.

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Story summary

In August 2024, Steven Smith, longtime Yeezy footwear designer, was abruptly dismissed after eight years.
He helped elevate Yeezy's sneaker business, which was valued at $3 billion in 2019.
Smith criticized Kanye West's behavior, including antisemitic remarks, saying, "He's lost his mind."
He warned, "If I stop creating, it's going to kill me."
Now 60, Smith has had a long career and contributed to many popular sneaker designs.