Bianca Andreescu gives Nike a dressing down at US Open before issuing apology
Nike has received a dressing down from Andreescu’s compatriot and fellow New Yorker, Bianca Andreescu, following allegations of sexual assault.
The company has since said it had nothing to do with her allegations and apologised to the athlete.
“The allegations have been reported to the University of Virginia Police Department. We have provided them with documentation, information and resources,” the company said in a statement.
“We are deeply sorry for her actions and her actions have no place in our company values.”
The controversy began when Andreescu accused Nike of giving her a “sexual favour” to stay in the US Open team, and allegedly threatened to file a sexual harassment lawsuit against the brand.
She said she was forced to sign a non-disclosure agreement with Nike in order not to lose her job, and alleged the shoe giant took a “quid pro quo” from her to help her stay in the US team.
She was eventually let go from the US Open team after she was not chosen for the team in the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
In the press release issued by Nike, it said it does not comment on its internal investigations.
“We value all of our employees and have a clear set of expectations for those we work with. Our teams do a fantastic job at ensuring a safe work environment for everyone,” the statement read.