Rick Ross Apologizes Again for ‘Rape’ Lyric as Criticism Mounts
Rick Ross has apologized again for a controversial lyric that has been interpreted as condoning rape on Rocko’s track “U.O.E.N.O.,” tweeting, “I dont condone rape. Apologies for the lyric interpreted as rape.”
Last week, the rapper appeared on New Orleans radio station Q93 in an attempt to clear up the rhyme, “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.” During the interview Ross said, “It was misunderstanding with a lyric, a misinterpretation where the term ‘rape’ wasn’t used. And I would never use the term ‘rape’ in my records.”
Rick Ross: My ‘U.O.E.N.O.’ Lyrics Don’t Condone Rape
Still, the criticism of Ross has continued to mount, with many underwhelmed by his apology. Rapper Talib Kweli called Ross “a misguided 40-year person” during a segment on HuffPo Live, adding: “Rick Ross condoned rape in that song and he shouldn’t, and he should apologize, and the apology that he offered was unacceptable.”
Kweli also took Ross to task on Twitter, writing: “Its clear from Ross apology that he doesn’t understand u don’t need to say ‘rape’ to condone rape . . . Ross needs love and education on this issue. He has a platform that can be used for good, especially if he takes responsibility here.”
The controversy has also begun to affect Ross’ endorsement deals. Reuters reports that the women’s rights group UltraViolet planned to protest outside a Reebok store in Manhattan today, bringing petitions with more than 71,000 signatures demanding the company cut their ties with the rapper. The group’s co-founder Nita Chaudhary said Ross “is pushing the idea that if you don’t use the word ‘rape’ it doesn’t count. We are fed up and disgusted with Reebok.”