Ralph Lauren ends sponsorship of Justin Thomas over use of homophobic slur

Fashion giant Ralph Lauren has ended its sponsorship of US golf star Justin Thomas, after the world no3 used a homophobic slur during a tournament last week.

The American was heard via a television microphone uttering the slur after missing a five-foot putt on the fourth hole last Saturday at the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii.

He later apologised, saying he made a "terrible judgment call" in the incident.

"We are disheartened by Mr. Thomas's recent language, which is entirely inconsistent with our values," Ralph Lauren said in a written statement.

"While we acknowledge that he has apologized and recognizes the severity of his words, he is a paid ambassador of our brand and his actions conflict with the inclusive culture that we strive to uphold."

The company added that it hoped the 27-year-old, who won the PGA Championship in 2017, "does the hard and necessary work in order to partner with us again."

Additional reporting by Reuters.