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Pharrell Williams Wins Shoe of the Year at FNAA, Addresses 'Hate Politics' Backlash

He cast the viral remark as frustration over shrinking DEI support.

Overview

  • The Footwear News honor recognized his Adidas Virginia Adistar Jellyfish after an August debut that sold through quickly and drew strong secondary-market demand.
  • Pusha T presented the award in New York, where Williams delivered a forceful speech rooted in his upbringing and urged people to “be the master of the algorithm.”
  • Williams said the “hate politics” clip reflected concern that DEI donations are drying up due to new policies, and he vowed to keep raising money to “level the playing field.”
  • He highlighted his Black Ambition initiative, described in coverage as allocating or awarding about $85 million to Black and Brown startups.
  • The Virginia Adistar Jellyfish has rolled out in orange, green, gray, and blue colorways, underscoring its commercial impact despite broader softness in sneaker resale.