Crocs and Hollister have withdrawn pop artist D4VD from their current advertising campaign after a decomposed body was found inside a Tesla linked to him at a Los Angeles tow yard.
The companies have removed D4VD’s promotional images from their websites and social media channels. This decision came just days after he was announced as the face of their “Dream Drop” collaboration.
“We are monitoring this evolving story closely,” stated the brands.
“We’ve halted all content featuring D4VD while the investigation is ongoing,” they clarified.
The campaign launched on September 3rd, showcasing D4VD modeling Crocs and Hollister clothing in pastel colors. While the product images are still available, his own picture has been taken down.
Scott Krady, CEO of an integrated marketing firm, expressed that he wasn’t astonished by the decision to cut ties with D4VD, citing the potential reputational risks for both brands.
He suggested that their association with him could jeopardize their brand image and negatively impact customer relationships, potentially hurting their financial performance.
On Monday at around 12:30 PM, LAPD was alerted to a foul odor coming from an electric vehicle parked in a Hollywood water storage facility.
Investigating officers found a human body inside a bag in the trunk. Authorities mentioned that the vehicle had been towed just days before this grim discovery.
The victim, described as approximately 5’2″ with wavy black hair, was attired in a tube top and black leggings, adorned with a yellow bracelet, stud earrings, and a “Shae” tattoo.
The car is registered to David Anthony Burke, a 19-year-old singer known as D4VD.
LAPD confirmed the case is active and ongoing. The identity of the deceased is still pending release, and detectives have not publicly ruled out the possibility of foul play.
D4VD has gained attention with viral hits like “Here With Me” and “Romantic Murder.” His sophomore album, “Withered,” is set to release in April, with a deluxe edition on September 19th.
Previously, he has opened for SZA and performed at fashion shows, and he is currently on a world tour with scheduled dates across North America and beyond.
In July, Fortnite selected his single “Locked & Loaded” as its first national anthem for the global championship, further solidifying his crossover with gamers.
Concert reviews praise his elaborate visuals and emotional performances, with tickets for his shows ranging from $50 to $350. Some dates, including those in Los Angeles, Denver, and New York, are reportedly sold out.
His rise to fame has been fueled by TikTok and word-of-mouth among younger listeners. Since his debut in 2022, he has signed with Interscope Records, quickly gaining a robust fanbase.
LAPD has not disclosed the reason for the vehicle’s towing but mentioned that it was brought in prior to the body’s discovery. They are working to identify the deceased and ascertain the cause of death.
Authorities reported that the body was severely disassembled and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office is preparing to conduct an autopsy.
Crocs and Hollister were promoting their collaborative Dream Drop collection, positioning D4VD as an ideal representative due to his influence in music and youth culture.
Neither Burke nor his representatives have publicly addressed his removal from the campaign or ongoing investigations. Upcoming tour dates are still listed on his official website, including shows in key European cities.
LAPD has stated that no arrests have been made and additional information will be released following the coroner’s report.
The investigation remains open.
