KURT Zouma has been DROPPED by his sponsor Adidas after The Sun exposed how he kicked and slapped his cat in a shocking video.
An Adidas spokesperson said: “We have concluded our investigation and can confirm Kurt Zouma is no longer an Adidas contracted athlete.”
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Earlier today, Zouma’s two cats were SEIZED by the RSPC after chilling footage showed him kicking one of them like a football and slapping it out of a child’s hands.
The West Ham ace has also been fined £250,000 – two weeks’ wages – and dropped from the squad over the vile video which was filmed at his Essex mansion.
The defender, 27, will now not feature in this Sunday’s Premier League clash against Leicester City.
And he has lost his boot deal with Adidas – after Vitality dropped their sponsorship of West Ham.
Zouma issued a grovelling apology after the film, shared by his brother Yoan on Snapchat, was exclusively featured by The Sun.
Essex Police last night said it was making “urgent enquiries” into the video – but The Sun understands the force will now be dropping the investigation.
More than 120,000 people have signed a petition calling for Zouma to be prosecuted over the footage and banned from keeping animals.
Meanwhile, Vitality have suspended their sponsorship of West Ham.
A statement from the insurance and investment company, revealed by the BBC’s Simon Stone, read: “We were very distressed by the video we have seen of Kurt Zouma.
“At Vitality, we condemn animal cruelty and violence of any kind.
“We are hugely disappointed by the judgement subsequently shown by the club in response to this incident.
“As such, we are suspending our sponsorship of West Ham United with immediate effect.
“We will now be further engaging with the club to understand what actions they will be taking to address the situation.”
Another of the Hammers’ partners Kissimmee are also “evaluating” their relationship with the club.
The RSPCA today confirmed it has now seized Zouma’s cats.
A charity spokesperson said: “The two cats are now in RSPCA care.
“Our priority is and has always been the wellbeing of these cats.
“They’ve been taken for a check-up at a vets and then will remain in our care while the investigation continues.
“We’re grateful to everyone who expressed their concern for these cats. We were dealing with this issue before the video went viral online and are leading the investigation.”
Zouma received huge backlash from the public after the France international played last night against Watford – where he was booed by BOTH sets of fans.
The footballer, who is on £125,000 a week, has now been fined £250,000 by West Ham.
The club said Zouma has been fined the “maximum amount possible following his actions in the video”.
A statement said: “The player has immediately accepted the fine, which will be donated to animal welfare charities.
“West Ham United would like to reiterate our condemnation of Kurt’s actions and make it clear that the matter continues to be handled with the utmost seriousness.”
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George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism