Reebok just recently let go of Rick Ross due to the release of his song "U.O.E.N.O." There were lyrics in the song that promoted date rape. "Put Molly [Ecstasy] all in the champagne. She ain't even know it. I took her home and enjoyed that. She ain't even know it."
The 37 year-old rapper issued an apology: "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."
Ross also pulled the song, but this wasn't enough for the shoe company. Rape survivors and women's groups protested (photo below) outside of the Reebok flagship store in Midtown Manhattan.
Reebok released a statement last week on Thursday on dropping Ross. "Reebok holds our partners to a high standard, and we expect them to live up to the values of our brand. Unfortunately, Rick Ross has failed to do so. While we do not believe that Rick Ross condones sexual assault, we are very disappointed he has yet to display an understanding of the seriousness of this issue or an appropriate level of remorse."
Sources close to the rapper told TMZ that he stands to lose $3.5 million and $5 million. Talk about bags of money!
Let's hope he'll be 'painting' better pictures with future lyrics.
New York Times
Entertainment Weekly
TMZ
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