Gentle Hair Removal, a skincare brand for parent company Syneron-Candela, also ditched the swimmer saying in a statement that they hold, “employees to high standards”, and expect the same from business partners. “We wish Ryan well on his future endeavours and thank him for the time he spent supporting our brand”, Syneron Candela said in a statement to ESPN.
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“I am grateful for the opportunities that our partnership has afforded me over the years”, he said.
“I over-exaggerated this story, and if I hadn’t done that we wouldn’t be in this mess”.
Lochte’s robbery claim was challenged by Rio police who said that he and other swimmers vandalized a gas station bathroom and were then forced by security personnel to pay for the damages.
Lochte still faces potential discipline from the U.S. Olympic Committee and USA Swimming, which could affect his ability to participate in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.
In spite of the evidence against him, including CCTV footage, he has however denied that he actually lied in his initial account to Brazilian police.
Lying about the incident caused major sponsors to drop the Olympian.
Feigen, 26, later donated $US10,800 to a charity in Rio that teaches martial arts to poor children.
American swimmer Ryan Lochte’s world continues to unravel.
Lochte initially claimed that he and three teammates were robbed at gunpoint by individuals posing as local police officers. He went on to say he was robbed of money and his wallet.
The gas station is close to Olympic Park, where coverage of the sporting events has been interspersed over the past two weeks with reports of muggings and robberies, including incidents involving other athletes and two visiting government ministers.
“They [the people of Rio] put on a great Games … and my immature, intoxicated behaviour tarnished that a little”, Lochte said.
“That’s why I’m taking full responsibility for it”, he told NBC News in a clip posted online. He also gave an interview to Brazil’s main broadcaster Globo on Saturday to apologize for his actions. “And all I can do now is better myself and making sure that this kind of stuff never happens again”.
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Speedo, which signed Lochte to a 10-year deal in 2006, said in a statement that it would end its relationship with the decorated swimmer, who has won 12 Olympic medals, including six golds, while wearing its products. He also starred in a short-lived reality television show after the 2012 Olympics. Lochte, however, would not be able to engage in plea negotiations unless he’s in Brazil.
