Sandwich chain Subway has just suspended its long running partnership with company spokesperson Jared Fogle due to the recent raid on his home by FBI officials. Fogle and the charitable foundation he founded came under intense scrutiny two months ago when it was revealed the ex-director of his organization was arrested on charges of child pornography.
The raid was conducted yesterday at Fogle's home in Indiana. Law enforcement officials entered Fogle's property and came away with some electronics according to the Indianapolis Star. Fogel was present at the time of the search and was seen entering and leaving the evidence truck.
Right after the raid, Subway officials had this to say about the recent events:
"We are shocked about the news and believe it is related to a prior investigation of a former Jared Foundation employee, we are very concerned and will be monitoring the situation closely. We don't have any more details at this point."
Now the company has taken the step of slowly removing Jared from its promotional materials and marketing collateral. Time magazine notes that all traces of Fogel's presence have already been removed from Subway's website.
The company released this official statement regarding Fogel's suspension:
"Subway and Jared Fogle have mutually agreed to suspend their relationship due to the current investigation. Jared continues to cooperate with authorities and he expects no actions to be forthcoming. Both Jared and Subway agree that this was the appropriate step to take."
Fogel and Subway's relationship began in the year 2000, when Fogel, then a student at the University of Indiana, went on an all Subway diet in an effort to slim down. He lost close to 200 pounds thanks to a combination of the brand's sandwiches and regular exercise. His weight loss made him a constant fixture and arguably the face of the company over the last decade or so. Fogel has appeared in countless ads for the brand and set up the Jared Foundation to battle childhood obesity.
