Rapper Rick Ross has been released from representing Reebok, following protests that one of his songs, "U.O.E.N.O." endorsed rape. "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," Reebok said in a statement.
The lyric, which says "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," refers to MDMA, a potent version of the drug Ecstasy. The anti-sexism group UltraViolet, did not find the line amusing, and last week organized a protest outside the Reebok Fit Hub on 5th Avenue, urging the company to cut Ross loose.
Ross denies that he was referring specifically to rape in the song, issuing what many interpreted as a lukewarm apology over Twitter: "I dont condone rape. Apologies for the #lyric interpreted as rape. #BOSS," he wrote. The sorry tweet didn't cut it for Reebok, who dropped the rapper yesterday.
Bronx Councilman Andy King, who this week called for fans to boycott the rapper's Friday show in Long Island, told us he was pleased with Reebok's decision. "I applaud them for listening to the voices of the people. That’s how activism is supposed to work," he said.
"I really believe all the big money industries, they have a social responsibility of how they make investments. Them dropping Rick Ross, it really does help us move forward."
