JOHANNESBURG – Some Nike stores were closed in South Africa on Wednesday after public outcry over a racist comment by businessman Adam Catzavelos.

In the video, which has since gone viral, Catzavelos expresses joy at not seeing a single black person and uses the k-word.

Nike must just issue a statement pic.twitter.com/NhoX9WY43X — Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) August 22, 2018

Nike declined to comment on the store closures but issued a statement reiterating its "long-standing commitment to diversity, inclusion and respect", adding that the man seen in a video posted online was not a company employee.

According to TimesLive, Catzavelos is married to a merchandising director at Nike.

@Nike stores in South Africa have been closed following public outrage over #AdamCatzavelos racist video. Local media says his wife works at the sportswear firm. South Africa has history of violent protests against brands associated with racism pic.twitter.com/8IIeMHH8Bh — Joe Brock (@joebrock2) August 22, 2018

A Nike spokesperson in London declined to comment and Reuters was unable to independently verify the person's identity.

Reuters witnesses confirmed that two were shut at a mall in the Sandton district of Johannesburg.