THE NEWS THAT PUT KAWASAKI IN THE CROSSHAIRS OF AMERICAN POLITICS

When Kawasaki spokesman Kevin Allen told the Reuters News Agency, which was then picked up by the media world-wide, including the New York Times, Variety and MXA, that Kawasaki could no longer advertise or have product placement on the “The New Celebrity Apprentice” TV show as long as President Donald Trump was involved in it. This news sent shivers through the motorcycle industry. As a general rule, Japanese companies try to avoid any statements on American politics. However, saying that they were unwilling to participate in the television show because of the President, caused anger to boiled up from Kawasaki owners who support the President. There is no doubt that Kawasaki was in a tough place. They had been a featured company on the third episode of the “New Celebrity Apprentice,” in which the contestants’ challenge was to design an ad campaign for Kawasaki. This led to Hilary fans wanting to boycott Kawasaki, but then when the news above was released, Kawasaki faced the same pressure from those who support the new President.

To get out of the mess. Kawasaki punted, released the statement below and fired spokesman Kevin Allen. Which leads to the question, did they use Trump’s trademark, “You’re fired!”

KAWASAKI’S RESPONSE