Rick Ross issues official apology over rape lyric controversy

Rick Ross has issued an official apology following the controversy surrounding a lyric that has been interpreted as condoning rape in his track 'UOENO'. 


Ross caused upset due to the song's line: "Put Molly all up in her champagne, she ain't even know it, I took her home and I enjoyed that, she ain't even know it." Various women's rights organisations have called for the song to be banned from radio playlists and for Ross to say apologise and, although the rapper did issue an apology of sorts last week, he stated that he was sorry if people had interpreted the lyric to be about the use of date-rape drugs - not for the actual content itself.

It is though that the lackluster apology caused sports company Reebok to drop Ross and end their relationship with him earlier this week. "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," said a spokesperson of the decision. "At this time, it is in everyone's best interest for Reebok to end its partnership with Mr Ross."

Now, as Billboard reports, Ross has released a lengthier apology. "Before I am an artist, I am a father, a son, and a brother to some of the most cherished women in the world," he said. "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," he continued. "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."

He went on to add: "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."

Rick Ross released his fifth studio album 'God Forgives, I Don't' in July 2012. In January of this year, he announced plans to put out the follow-up LP 'Mastermind' in 2013, although he did not confirm an official release date.