Sunday, April 14, 2013

Adidas Drops Rick Ross as a Sponsor

In the continuing drama of a controversial lyric in Rick Ross' "U.O.E.N.O," Reebok finally decided to drop Ricky Rozay from their roster of brand representatives."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," Reebok told MTV News in a written statement issued. "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," the statement read. "At this time, it is in everyone's best interest for Reebok to end its partnership with Mr. Ross."


 Sonia Ossorio, President of the National Organization for Women protested, "It is a hate crime to be out there making fun of -- making light of drugging and raping women, something that happens all to often in our culture." According to VibeUltra Violet, another woman's right group joined Sonia and NOW at the protest and brought along a petition with 72,000 signatures collected nationwide in a plea to Reebok to drop Ross from their campaign. The rest of the report can be found here.

Rick Ross tried to make amends with all of his disappointed fans via Twitter, when he posted on April 4th: "I dont condone rape.Apologies for the #lyric interpreted as rape. #BOSS,” adding, “Apologies to my many business partners,who would never promote violence against women. @ReebokClassics @ultraviolet.” I don't know what Mr. Ross thought he was rapping about when he said, ""Put molly all in her champagne, she ain't even know it. I took her home and I enjoy that, she ain't even know it..." Why do you think our society has become so accepting of music that refers to violence, drugs, and sexually objectifying women? Do you think there is any glimpse of hope that we can change that within mainstream music and media?

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