14 DAY TRIAL // A short while ago, rapper Rick Ross came under heavy fire for a lyric in the song “U.O.E.N.O.” in which he appeared to brag about date raping a woman. For the record, he denied any such intention behind the line but Reebok still dropped him as their spokesperson.
In a statement to TMZ, the company announces the decision, saying that they can no longer be associated with a musician who would even leave room for doubt on the topic.
“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,” the sports clothing giant says.
“While we do not believe that Rick Ross condones 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 further says.
Reebok is referring to Ross’ half-apology, in which he claimed that the offending lyric was “interpreted” as rape. He didn’t really apologize for it and he should have, Reebok believes, along with many of his fans.