Under Armour athlete Misty Copeland issues anti-Trump statement with collection launch

By

Obi Anyanwu

Published
Feb 10, 2017

Under Armour on Thursday launched its first collaboration collection with ballet dancer Misty Copeland. The collection launches one week after the sportswear manufacturer launched its first ‘Made in USA’ pieces.

 
The 35-piece Inspired By Misty Copeland collection consists of sports bras, leggings, long sleeve and short sleeve t-shirts, pants, hoodies, jackets and sneakers that utilize Under Armour’s StudioLux fabric and UA Storm technology. The collection features baggy silhouettes fit for a dancer in rehearsal and pieces crafted to perform despite its loose leisure design.
 
Under Armour named the Kansas City, Missouri-native a sponsored athlete in 2014, and she was featured in a women-focused ad campaign for the company that was listed as one of Adweek’s 10 Best Ads in 2014. In 2015, Copeland was named principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre, marking her as the first African American woman to be promoted to the role in the theatre’s history.

Following Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank’s support of President Trump, Copeland issued a statement on Thursday, the same day as the launch of the collection, via social media to disagree with Plank’s stance.
 
““I have always appreciated the great support and platform that Under Armour has given me to represent my community, gender, and career on the world stage. However, I strongly disagree with Kevin Plank’s recent comments in support of Trump as recently reported,” she said. “Those of you who have supported and followed my career know that the one topic I’ve never backed away from speaking openly about is the importance of diversity and inclusion.
 
She also said on the social media post, “It is imperative to me that my partners and sponsors share this belief. I have spoken at length with Kevin privately about the matter, but as someone who takes my responsibility as a role model very seriously, it is important to me that he, and UA, take public action to clearly communicate and reflect our common values in order for us to effectively continue to work towards our shared goal of trying to motivate ALL people to be their best selves.”

 
Prior to issuing her statement, fellow Under Armour athlete Stephen Curry disagreed with Plank’s statement about President Trump, and Dwayne Johnson, who has a global partnership with Under Armour, also took to social media to disagree with Plank.
 
Despite the backlash, Under Armour shares increased 3.7% on Thursday.
 
The Inspired by Misty Copeland collection is available now on the Under Armour website. Prices range from $44.99 to $199.99.