At least three sponsors have cut ties with PGA golfer Scott Piercy in the wake of his homophobic Instagram post regarding former Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg.
Piercy Papologized Tuesday, after sharing a meme responding to Buttigieg’s decision to drop out of the race, saying ”Peter Pulls Out Early From Behind.”The meme featured Pepe the Frog, the cartoon character coopted as an icon by the alt-right, reading a news script for ”QNN” about Buttigieg.
In a separate post, Piercy revealed himself to be a QAnon follower. It was a right-wing conspiracy theory that involved ”deep state” planning against the government, Which the FBI has identified as a potential source of domestic terrorism.
Despite Piercy’s apology, GFolf.com reports that Acushnet, which Owns Titleist and FootJoy, and Scandinavian fashion brand J.Lindeberg have cut ties with Piercy.
”As a global lifestyle brand, we strive to support and sport our love and compassion for the world’s population worldwide, ” J.Lindeberg said in a statement. ”When we choose our ambassadors, we choose the people we know will, will represent us during and beyond the Gold Course.”
Scott Piercy’s claims were unacceptable and out of our views and beliefs. After that, we terminated our contract with Mr.Piercy.
”We, J.Lindeberg, as a company, Piercy’s statements are not based and we want to make sure that our customers, employees, and other ambassador know that we support all communities and that our company has no room for hate.”
ESPN notes that Piercy could also face discipline from the PGA Tour, which said in statements that it is ”disappointed in the lack of judgment used” and that ” it has been addressed with Scott directly.”
