Ralph Lauren cuts ties with Justin Thomas for using anti-gay libel

Thomas apologized for the incident, which took place last Saturday during a PGA Tour tournament in Hawaii.

"There is no excuse," Thomas said in an on-air apology immediately after his round.

In a statement, the company said it was discontinuing its sponsorship of Thomas because of his use of the blemish, which the company said was contrary to its values.

"While we acknowledge that he has apologized and acknowledges the seriousness of his words, he is a paid ambassador for our brand and his actions run counter to the inclusive culture we pursue," a statement from the company said .

Thomas voiced the slur after he missed a par-putt during the third round of the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii and his words were picked up by television microphones.

"I'm an adult. I'm a grown man. There are abs for me absolutely no reason to say such a thing. It's awful. I'm extremely ashamed. It's not the kind of person that I'm … But unfortunately I did and I have to admit it and I apologize very much. I apologize to everyone and everyone that I have offended and it will make me better, "Thomas said in his apology.

Thomas, a former world No. 1 champion, is now third in the golf rankings.

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"As we make this decision, we hope that Mr. Thomas will do the hard and necessary work to work with us again – really researching this incident, learning, growing, and ultimately using his platform to drive inclusion. promote, ”statement said.

The PGA Tour has also spoken out about this incident. "As he said after his round, we agree that Justin's comment was unacceptable," the PGA Tour said in a statement, according to AFP news agency. , who added that Thomas is likely to be fined for conduct "unbecoming to a professional."