Rick Ross addresses the rape lyrics form Rocko's song "U.O.E.N.O.,"…again. This time, in an official statement.
After a Michigan radio station removed all Rick Ross spins from their playlist, Ross went on on Q93.3 where he indirectly apologized: "It was a misunderstanding with a lyric, a misinterpretation where the term rape wasn’t used," he told the New Orleans radio station.
After Reebok dropped the Maybach mogul from being a spokesperson for their campaign, Ross has now come out with an official 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."
Genuine apology, or an apology for losing lucrative endorsements and royalties?