The US subsidiary of Italian food manufacturer Ferrero will not renew its endorsement deal with NBA star Kobe Bryant because of the star’s sexual assault charge.

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“Ferrero USA’s contract with Kobe Bryant expires in January 2004,” the company said in a statement. “Marketing plans established earlier this year did not contemplate a contract renewal. In keeping with this decision, and considering the recent developments, Kobe’s image on Nutella labels and promotional material is being phased out.”

Bryant is charged with sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman earlier this summer. He claims they had consensual sex, and is due to make an initial appearance in court later this week, reports the San Jose Mercury News.

Bryant’s deals with Nike and Coca-Cola subsidiary Sprite remain in place, although he will not be appearing in any Sprite ads for the remainder of this year.

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