Ralph Lauren have terminated their sponsorship deal with golfer Justin Thomas after he was caught using a homophobic slur.
The world number three has apologised for the remark, which he made during the Tour of Champions in Hawaii earlier this month.
“There’s just no excuse," the American told the Golf Channel after his outburst following a missed par putt in Hawaii.
"I’m an adult, I’m a grown man. There’s absolutely no reason for me to say anything like that. It’s terrible. I’m extremely embarrassed.”
But the clothing giant says they're unwilling to have the 2017 PGA Championship winner continue as a brand ambassador.
“We are disheartened by Mr Thomas’s recent language, which is entirely inconsistent with our values.
“While we acknowledge that he has apologised and recognises the severity of his words, he is a paid ambassador of our brand and his actions conflict with the inclusive culture that we strive to uphold.
“In reflecting on the responsibility we have to all of our stakeholders, we have decided to discontinue our sponsorship of Mr Thomas at this time.”
The PGA Tour is also expected to take disciplinary action against the 27-year-old in the coming days after they called his behaviour "unacceptable".
