Kanye West's Yeezy apparel line received between $2 million and $5 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds meant to keep small businesses from going under amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to data released by the Small Business Administration (SBA) on Monday.
Yeezy LLC was listed among the companies that received funds in the $2 million - 5 million range, with others having received funds in amounts anywhere between $5 million -$10 million, $1 million - $2 million, and $150,000 to $300,000, among other ranges. The company disclosed that it saved 106 jobs because of the program, meant to help businesses struggling during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Described by Forbes as a “billion-dollar” empire, Yeezy’s receipt of the small business loan funds prompted some online criticism. A rep for West did not immediately reply to a request by The Hollywood Reporter for comment concerning the PPP loan.