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Something stinks at the Hanes underwear company and it’s the stench of racism.

Yunusa Kenchi has filed a lawsuit against Hanes brands, the makers of Michael Jordan’s underwear, Playtex, and Champion, after he was fired for being black.

Kenchi’s lawyer told the Village Voice that he faced “consistent insults and ridicule from a hostile supervisor,” the abuse went so far that Kenchi intercepted an e-mail from his boss describing him as a “N*gger.”

Kenchi was told by another supervisor that his direct supervisor was biased against him because of his race. He also “observed from early on that his supervisors viewed him only as a minority quota-filler.”  

Kenchi started at Hanes in April of 2007 and was terminated on August 22, 2008. Here is what the email stated:

Kenchi is seeking “a meaningful apology from Hanes” and unspecified compensation from the company “in excess of $1 million.”

Kenchi’s lawyer said:

“A company this large, dealing with a diverse community, is not taking responsibility. [The emailer] was a designer for the Michael Jordan line of clothing for many years! It goes to show you that even companies with prominent African American spokespeople can have racist elements at a high level.”

Hanes has since issued an apology in a statement reading:

Hanes has responded with this statement:

Hanesbrands Inc. is proud of its diverse worldwide workforce and does not tolerate discriminatory behavior.

After allegations emerged of improper conduct in the termination of Mr. Kenchi, Hanesbrands conducted a thorough investigation and found evidence of an offensive attitude and use of language that is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

We sincerely regret that the situation arose and are troubled that Mr. Kenchi’s termination process may have been tainted by unacceptable attitudes.

In lieu of these findings, Hanes brands took decisive disciplinary steps, including the termination of a supervisor, and made Mr. Kenchi an unconditional offer of employment to return to the company.

Too little, too late, their racist practices should be exposed and their biggest endorser Michael Jordan should end his relationship with the Hanes brand.