Rick Ross

Truth rating: 10

Rick Ross

7:20 pm, April 12th, 2013

(GettyImages.com)

Rick Ross released a formal statement on Friday, apologizing for song lyrics that seemingly condoned rape.

As Gossip Cop previously reported, the rapper came under fire for the Rocko song “U.O.E.N.O.,” where he rhymes, “Put Molly all in her champagne, she ain’t even know it/I took her home and I enjoyed that, she ain’t even know it.”

Molly is a slang term for MDMA, better known as ecstasy.

STATEMENT BELOW

Ross initially apologized for anyone who “interpreted” the lines as rape, but the firestorm continued amid outcry that he wasn’t sincere or understanding, prompting Reebok to cut professional ties with him on Thursday.

Now, one day later, the performer has issued a lengthy statement, where he said, “For me to suggest in any way that harm and violation be brought to a woman is one of my biggest mistakes and regrets.”

“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,” Ross said.

He also tweeted, “I want to thank Reebok Classics for their hard work and dedication over this past year.Good partners,good shoe.continued success.”

Check out the FULL statement below, and tell us what you think.

PHOTO – Rick Ross at the 2013 Grammys – SEE HERE!

Follow @GossipCop on Twitter!

Like us on Facebook!

RICK ROSS STATEMENT

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.

Sign up for Gossip Cop’s daily newsletter.

You might like:

Rick Ross

4:29 pm, April 11th, 2013

(GettyImages)

Rick Ross has reportedly been dumped by Reebok amid controversy over his track “U.O.E.N.O.,” which has been accused of glorifying date rape.

The song contains the lyrics, “Put Molly all in her champagne, she ain’t even know it/I took her home and I enjoyed that, she ain’t even know it.”

“Molly” is a slang term for MDMA, better known as ecstasy.

Under pressure from outraged advocacy groups, Reebok has now terminated its endorsement deal with the rapper, according to TMZ, which quotes the company as stating:

“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.“

As Gossip Cop reported last week, Ross apologized for the lyrics being “interpreted as rape” as protests against him intensified.

It appears his contrition was not enough to save his Reebok deal.

Follow @GossipCop on Twitter!

Like us on Facebook!

Sign up for Gossip Cop’s daily newsletter.

You might like:

Truth rating: 10

Rick Ross

2:07 pm, April 9th, 2013

(GettyImages)

Rick Ross’ controversial lyrics referencing date rape have landed Reebok in hot water with the women’s group UltraViolet.

The rapper, who has an endorsement deal with the company, has caused a stir with “U.O.E.N.O.,” a track that contains the lines, “Put Molly all in her champagne, she ain’t even know it/I took her home and I enjoyed that, she ain’t even know it.”

“Molly” is a common slang term for MDMA, better known as ecstasy.

As Gossip Cop reported last week, Ross apologized for the lyrics being “interpreted as rape” as protests by UltraViolet and other groups intensified.

Now the organization has sent a letter to Reebok expressing outrage that Ross has not been dropped.

In the UltraViolet note obtained by TMZ, the authors write, ”Like far too many women, we are the survivors of sexual assault.”

“Every single day that Reebok continues rewarding Rick Ross with a lucrative endorsement deal, Reebok is condoning rape,” states the letter.

It continues, “When one in five women will be the victim of completed or attempted rape, this is dangerous and it has real-life consequences. Your silence on this issue is unacceptable.”

“It’s time you took a stand against rape and drop Rick Ross as a spokesman,” urges the group.

Do you think Reebok should drop Ross?

Follow @GossipCop on Twitter!

Like us on Facebook!

Sign up for Gossip Cop’s daily newsletter.

You might like: