By: Amanda Anderson-Niles
It hasn’t been a good last couple of weeks for Rick Ross. After rapping about what sounded like date raping an unsuspecting woman in Rocko’s song “U.E.O.N.O.,” the rapper then became the target of an online petition, and after he said in an interview that he felt the lyrics were being misinterpreted, Reebok decided to drop the endorsement deal they had with the head of Maybach Music Group. Even though Rick Ross did manage to get some support from fellow rappers who believe he should have the right to freedom of speech in his music, Rocko confirmed that he would be replacing Rick Ross’ verse to secure commercial success. As a result of losing the deal and having the verse replaced, the self-proclaimed “boss” has decided to release an official statement on the controversy and apologized for his offensive lyrics.
The statement reads:
“Before I am an artist, I am a father, a son, and a brother to some of the most cherished women in the world. So for me to suggest in any way that harm and violation be brought to a woman is one of my biggest mistakes and regrets.
“As an artist, one of the most liberating things is being able to paint pictures with my words. But with that comes a great responsibility. And most recently, my choice of words was not only offensive, it does not reflect my true heart. And for this, I apologize. To every woman that has felt the sting of abuse, I apologize.
“I recognize that as an artist I have a voice and with that, the power of influence. To the young men who listen to my music, please know that using a substance to rob a woman of her right to make a choice is not only a crime, it’s wrong and I do not encourage it. To my fans, I also apologize if I have disappointed you. I can only hope that this sparks a healthy dialogue and that I can contribute to it.”
The rapper also decided to keep things classy with Reebok and tweeted well wishes to the shoe company post the axing of his endorsement:
This is the apology he should have issued before maybe he wouldn’t have gotten dropped. Too little too late.
Agreed.
So true.
THIS.
Yes. Now this is a REAL apology.
I think he made a really stupid move. But he had his chance during that radio interview to make it right, and he didn’t. Instead he said his lyrics were misunderstood. Big mistake.
Does he not have a publicist? He needs someone to do crisis management ASAP. He is like two steps away from losing it all.
Whatever. He should have apologized from jump and volunteered to have the lyrics removed. His hard headed mentality costed him his image and major money.
Agreed. Timing is everything.
I was right! Rappers are only sorry when their money is in jeopardy!
Rick Ross may have “ether’d” his own career.
These celebs have to learn that free speech is an illusion. You will be held responsible for what you say…ALWAYS. They have to be smarter than this.
Maybach Music
You can’t be stupid and keep your money. A fool and his money will soon part ways. He can either fight for what’s left for his career or take the L and go back to being a corrections officer. It all depends on how smart he really is. He just needs to be mindful now of what he says. All these rappers need to clean it up. They are out of control.
#LittleTooLate
Nothing like losing an endorsement deal to make it clear that you have to be responsible in your music…
I’m not buying this apology…
Sigh…he should have said this as soon as it all popped off. Not smart.
I still think he was stupid for saying what he did, but at least he’s not out here talking as stupid as Meek Mill was about the whole situation.
All of this publicity is giving Monica’s Baby Daddy some undeserved attention. The song sucks!
wow he is apologizing when money is involved.. some of these celebrities are something else. lol, when money is involved hey are sorry…. -___-